AU2010241265B1

AU2010241265B1 - Method And Product For Assessing Ripeness Of Fruit

Info

Publication number: AU2010241265B1
Application number: AU2010241265A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Ogilvie Watkins
Original assignee: MT UNCLE GRAZING CO
Current assignee: MT UNCLE GRAZING CO
Priority date: 2010-11-05
Filing date: 2010-11-05
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2030-11-05

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE PATENT SPECIFICATION Name of Applicant: Mt Uncle Grazing Co Actual Inventor: Robert Ogilvie Watkins Address for Service: Cullens Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys Level 32, 239 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia Invention Title: Method And Product For Assessing Ripeness Of Fruit The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to the applicant: -2 METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR ASSESSING RIPENESS OF FRUIT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein relates generally to an article for assessing when an item of agricultural produce is ready for consumption. In particular, the invention is 5 directed to an article which assists consumers in assessing when a vegetable or fruit is ripe and therefore ready to eat, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. BACKGROUND ART Often when consumers purchase produce, such as fruits and vegetables, the 10 produce is under-ripe. There are a number of reasons why produce is sent to markets under-ripe. Particularly where produce has to be transported over long distances, it is advantageous to transport the produce under-ripe to avoid spoilage during transportation. In addition, produce is often less susceptible to damage during harvest and transport if it is under-ripe. 15 Although produce is often purchased under-ripe, it is important that consumers are able to enjoy fresh produce at its optimum state of ripeness, as at this point, organoleptic properties such as the texture and flavour will be at their peak. In addition, consuming fruit and vegetables when they are under-ripe may lead to stomach pains, which can be brought on by difficulties in digesting under-ripe produce. 20 When a consumer enjoys produce at its optimum state of ripeness, they will be more likely to purchase that product again, thereby maintaining the market demand. Conversely, if produce is consumed when it is under-ripe, then the consumer is less likely to purchase that produce again, creating an oversupply which is problematic for the producer. 25 There are a number of reasons why produce is consumed under-ripe. These can include lack of knowledge about the particular item of produce, particularly as more products are introduced to the market. In some cases, it can be due to lack of knowledge about particular varieties. For example, bananas are a relatively common, and hence well-known, fruit. However, the optimum stage of ripeness differs for different varieties.

-3 A commonly produced variety, Cavendish, should be consumed once the skin has just turned yellow. If consumed under-ripe, whilst the skin has a tinge of green, the flesh is starchy and lacking flavour. If allowed to ripen too much before consuming, so that the skin is starting to show brown flecks, the flesh becomes mushy and the flavour is not at 5 its best. In contrast, the Lady Finger variety retains a starchy flesh even once the skin has turned completely yellow. A Lady Finger banana is actually in its prime once the skin has started to show brown flecks. A consumer not being aware of the differences in optimum ripeness between the Cavendish and Lady Finger banana varieties, may see a 10 yellow Lady Finger and think it ready for consumption, and be very disappointed with the starchy, flavourless flesh. This is particularly problematic for producers of Lady Finger bananas, which are more expensive than the Cavendish due to difficulties in harvesting. Given the large number of fresh produce items available to purchase, it is difficult to educate the public about the optimum time for consumption of each particular product 15 and/or variety. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an article for determining when an item of agricultural produce is ready for consumption, which may overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 20 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a visual ripeness indicator for use with an agricultural product, the indicator comprising a ripeness reference portion for mounting relative to a ripening portion of the agricultural product for visual comparison of the ripening portion to the ripeness reference portion. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides a device for visual indication 25 of the ripeness of an agricultural product, the device comprising: (i) a sheet member having a portion comprising adhesive means for positioning the sheet member on the agricultural product; and (ii) a portion comprising reference means with a ripeness indicator, -4 such that in use the sheet member is positioned on the agricultural product and at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is adjacent to the reference means. In a further form, the invention provides a method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: 5 a) mounting a visual ripeness indicator relative to a ripening portion of the agricultural product, wherein the visual ripeness indicator comprises a ripeness reference portion; and b) comparing the ripening portion of the agricultural product to the ripeness reference portion. 10 In a further alternative embodiment, the invention provides a method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: a) positioning a device comprising a sheet member having a portion comprising adhesive means for positioning the sheet member on the agricultural product, and a portion comprising reference means 15 with a ripeness indicator, on the agricultural product; b) comparing at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product with the reference means, to give an indication of ripeness of the agricultural product. The visual ripeness indicator can be of any suitable form. In one embodiment the 20 visual ripeness indicator can be a sheet member which is attached directly to a ripening portion of an agricultural product. In such an embodiment, the visual ripeness indicator can be in the form of an adhesive sticker. In an alternative embodiment, the visual ripeness indicator can be in the form of a ring-like structure, wherein the ring-like structure is of any suitable width and thickness. 25 The ring-like structure can completely encircle an agricultural product, or the ring-like structure can completely encircle a plurality of agricultural products. The plurality of agricultural products can all be the same type of product or can comprise different products.

-5 The visual ripeness indicator can be used with any suitable agricultural product, in particular, agricultural products such as bananas, mangoes and avocados which undergo a colour change during the ripening process. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the visual ripeness indicator can be used on bananas. 5 The ripeness reference portion can comprise the whole of the visual ripeness indicator or it can comprise a portion of the visual ripeness indicator. Preferably, the ripeness reference portion comprises a portion of the visual ripeness indicator. The ripeness reference portion can be any material suitable for mounting relative to a ripening portion of an agricultural product. The ripeness reference portion can 10 therefore be a laminar substrate formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to paper, cardboard or polymer films such as vinyl, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate polyester (PET polyester). Preferably the ripeness reference portion is a material that has flexibility, so that it can be readily mounted to an agricultural product irrespective of the size and shape of the product. 15 In this respect, it is particularly preferable that the ripeness reference portion is a material that can readily be cut to a suitable size and shape for the agricultural product to which the ripeness reference portion is to be mounted relative to. Where the visual ripeness indicator is in the form of an adhesive sticker, the sticker can be any suitable size or shape dependent on the agricultural product to which it 20 is to be attached. The sticker can thus be a solid sheet. Alternatively, the sticker can be a sheet having at least one hole or section of transparent material through which the outer surface of the agricultural product can be viewed. Provision of more than one hole or section of transparent material allows for different regions of the outer surface of the agricultural product to be viewed. 25 The at least one hole or section of transparent material through which the outer surface of the agricultural product can be viewed can be at any position on the sticker, including at the centre and/or towards an edge of the sticker. Preferably, the sticker has a hole or section of transparent material in the vicinity of its centre.

-6 The ripeness reference portion can be any suitable colour and/or texture dependent on the agricultural product for which the visual ripeness indicator is to be used. For example, where the visual ripeness indicator is to be used on a banana, the ripeness reference portion can be the same colour and texture of a banana at a particular stage of 5 ripeness. In such embodiments, once the banana has reached the particular stage or ripeness, the ripeness reference portion can essentially be invisible on the product. Alternatively, the ripeness reference portion can comprise a plurality of sections, whereby each section is a colour and texture representative of different stages of ripeness of a banana. 10 Where the ripeness reference portion comprises a plurality of sections, the sections can be continuous on the visual ripeness indicator, so as to provide a reference portion in the form of a scale, being a continuous spectrum. Alternatively, the plurality of sections can be discontinuous, whilst still providing a reference scale indicating different stages of ripeness. For example, the scale may provide a reference to how many days to 15 ripeness in the form of a countdown, with each section being indicative of a fixed number of days to ripeness. The ripeness reference portion can additionally comprise a plurality of sections which assist with avoiding colour blur and thus assist with colour discrimination when assessing the ripeness of a product. Such sections can comprise at least one non 20 transparent portion of any suitable colour, the at least one non-transparent portions being interspersed between sections where the outer surface of the product can be viewed. The arrangement of such non-transparent portions can take any suitable form. Where the visual ripeness indicator is in the form of a circular adhesive sticker, for example, the at least one non-transparent portion can be annular, reflecting the shape of 25 the sticker. The ripeness reference portion can additionally have matter printed thereon. The printed matter can comprise material relating to any one or more of the following: the producer, distributor, retailer, information relating to the agricultural product such as the name of the product, instructions for use of the visual ripeness indicator and serving 30 suggestions.

-7 Instructions for use of the visual ripeness indicator can include information on where to place the indicator on an agricultural product. Some agricultural products do not ripen evenly. Some products, such as monstera fruit ripen from one end to the other over a number of days. Other products, such as mangoes, can be a different colour on different 5 regions, even when the whole product is ripe. The instructions for use can therefore include information on whether to place at the stem end of a product, or at some other region of the product. The instructions for use can also encompass a reference scale such as the scale referred to above for indicating degree of ripeness. For example, '5 days to ripeness', '2 10 days to ripeness', '1 day to ripeness'. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the visual ripeness indicator is the same colour and texture of a product with which it is associated at a particular stage of ripeness, and additionally includes printed matter. When the product is at the particular stage of ripeness indicated by the visual ripeness indicator, the indicator is effectively 15 camouflaged by cryptic colouration on the surface of the product, however, the printed matter remains visible. The ripeness reference portion can be mounted relative to the ripening portion of an agricultural product by any suitable means. The ripeness reference portion can therefore be mounted relative to the ripening portion of an agricultural product by 20 fastening means. The fastening means can comprise a foodstuffs quality pressure sensitive adhesive on the rear surface of the ripeness reference portion. The use of such an adhesive allows for the ripeness reference portion to be readily attached to the agricultural product. Alternatively, the fastening means can comprise a sash or ribbon for tying around one or more agricultural products. 25 Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow. According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a visual ripeness indicator for use with an agricultural product, the indicator comprising a ripeness reference portion for attaching directly to a ripening portion of the agricultural product, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises at least one portion having the same -7a colour as the agricultural product at one or more of a defined stage of ripeness, for visual comparison of the ripening portion to the ripeness reference portion. According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device for visual indication of the ripeness of an agricultural product, the device comprising: 5 (i) a sheet member having a portion comprising adhesive means for positioning the sheet member on the agricultural product; and (ii) a portion comprising reference means with a ripeness indicator, wherein the reference means is the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness, 10 such that in use the sheet member is positioned on the agricultural product and at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is adjacent to the reference means. According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: 15 a) directly attaching a visual ripeness indicator to a ripening portion of the agricultural product, wherein the visual ripeness indicator comprises a ripeness reference portion, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises at least one portion having the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness; and 20 b) comparing the ripening portion of the agricultural product to the ripeness reference portion. According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: a) directly attaching a device comprising (i) a sheet member having a 25 portion comprising adhesive means for attaching the sheet member to the agricultural product, and (ii) a portion comprising reference means with a ripeness indicator, to the agricultural product, wherein the reference means comprises at least one portion having -7b the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness; and b) comparing at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product with the reference means, to give an indication of ripeness 5 of the agricultural product. In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Text continues on page 8] 10 -8 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a series of visual ripeness indicators according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 2 shows a series of visual ripeness indicators according to embodiments of 5 the invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic of a banana with a visual ripeness indicator according to an embodiment of the invention mounted thereon. Figure 4 shows a schematic of a cluster of bananas with a visual ripeness indicator according to an embodiment of the invention mounted thereon. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a series of three visual ripeness indicators 10 according to embodiments of the invention. Each visual ripeness indicator 10 comprises a ripeness reference portion 12. Additionally, each visual ripeness indicator 10 has a window portion 14. When the visual ripeness indicator 10 is mounted relative to 15 a ripening portion of an agricultural product, a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is visible via the window portion 14 allowing for visual comparison of the ripening portion to the ripeness reference portion 12. The ripeness reference portion 12 is shown colourless for clarity. In actual embodiments, the ripeness reference portion 12 will be the same colour and texture of an 20 agricultural product at the desired stage of ripeness. The window portion 14 can be a cut out or can be a transparent material. As indicated in the three examples of visual ripeness indicators 10, the window portion 14 can be any desired size or shape. A further series of three visual ripeness indicators 10 according to embodiments of the invention is shown in Figure 2. Features similar to those in Figure 1 are numbered 25 similarly. The visual ripeness indicators 10 in Figure 2 additionally comprise printed matter, being the name of the agricultural product 16 and instructions 18 for using the visual ripeness indicator 10. The instructions 18 can comprise any suitable wording, for -9 example, 'Enjoy me when I'm the colour of the label', 'Consume me when I'm the colour of the label' or 'I'm at my best when I'm the colour of the label'. A schematic of a banana 20 with a visual ripeness indicator 10 according to an embodiment of the invention mounted thereon is shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, 5 the visual ripeness indicator 10 is in the form of a sticker which is directly affixed to the banana 20. The ripening reference portion 12 surrounds a window 14 in the shape of a banana, through which the outer surface of the banana is visible and can thus be visually compared with the ripeness reference portion 12. A schematic of a cluster of bananas 22 with a visual ripeness indicator 10 10 according to an embodiment of the invention mounted thereon is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the visual ripeness indicator 10 is in the form of a medallion 24 which is mounted relative to the cluster 22 using a band 26. The band 26 can be held in place on the cluster 22 by adhesive means on the underside of the band 26, or it can be held in place by virtue of its size, having a circumference only slightly larger than that of the 15 cluster 22, or the band 26 can be elasticized to assist in maintaining its position encircling the cluster 22. The medallion 24 comprises a ripening reference portion 12 which surrounds a window 14 in the shape of a banana, through which the outer surface of the banana is visible and can thus be visually compared with the ripeness reference portion 12. 20 From the foregoing it can be seen that the device of the present invention provides a convenient method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, and therefore whether or not the product is ready for consumption. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The 25 invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers -10 but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required. Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A visual ripeness indicator for use with an agricultural product, the indicator comprising a ripeness reference portion for attaching directly to a ripening portion of the agricultural product, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises at least one portion having the same 5 colour as the agricultural product at one or more of a defined stage of ripeness, for visual comparison of the ripening portion to the ripeness reference portion.

2. The visual ripeness indicator of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a sheet member which is attached directly to a ripening portion of the agricultural product.

3. The visual ripeness indicator of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a band which 0 encircles the agricultural product.

4. The visual ripeness indicator of any one of claims I to 3, wherein the indicator comprises adhesive means for directly attaching the ripeness reference portion to a ripening portion of the agricultural product.

5. The visual ripeness indicator of claim 3, wherein the band comprises elasticized means. 5

6. The visual ripeness indicator of any one of claims I to 5, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises a polymer film having the same texture as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness.

7. The visual ripeness indicator of claim 6, wherein the ripeness reference portion further comprises an aperture through which a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is 20 visible.

8. A device for visual indication of the ripeness of an agricultural product, the device comprising: (i) a sheet member having a portion comprising adhesive means for positioning the sheet member on the agricultural product; and 25 (ii) a portion comprising reference means with a ripeness indicator, wherein the reference means is the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness, - 12 such that in use the sheet member is positioned on the agricultural product and at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is adjacent to the reference means.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the reference means is the same texture as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness. 5

10. The device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the ripeness indicator is an aperture through which a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is visible.

11. A method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: a) directly attaching a visual ripeness indicator to a ripening portion of the 0 agricultural product, wherein the visual ripeness indicator comprises a ripeness reference portion, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises at least one portion having the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness; and b) comparing the ripening portion of the agricultural product to the ripeness 5 reference portion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indicator comprises a sheet member which is attached directly to a ripening portion of the agricultural product.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the indicator comprises adhesive means for attaching the ripeness reference portion directly to a ripening portion of the agricultural 20 product.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the ripeness reference portion comprises a polymer film comprising at least one portion having the same texture as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ripeness reference portion further comprises an 25 aperture through which a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is visible.

16. A method for assessing the ripeness of an agricultural product, the method comprising the steps: - 13 a) directly attaching a device comprising (i) a sheet member having a portion comprising adhesive means for attaching the sheet member to the agricultural product, and (ii) a portion comprising reference means with a ripeness indicator, to the agricultural product, wherein the reference 5 means comprises at least one portion having the same colour as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness; and b) comparing at least a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product with the reference means, to give an indication of ripeness of the agricultural product. 0

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the reference means is the same texture as the agricultural product at a defined stage of ripeness.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the ripeness indicator is an aperture through which a portion of the outer surface of the agricultural product is visible.

19. A visual ripeness indicator as defined in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described 5 with reference to one or more of the accompanying Figures. Date: 15 April 2011