Single serving packaged potato

Abstract

A prepackaged potato is contained within a serving receptacle that also includes items for use in consumption of the potato, which may be in the form of utensils, toppings and the like. The serving receptacle defines an interior within which the potato and the items for use in consumption of the potato are contained, and which is covered by a wrap material, a lid or a cover. The lid or cover may be formed with a cutout or window, which allows a consumer to view at least a portion of the contents of the serving receptacle. The lid or cover includes a label that bears nutrition information as well as instructions for preparation of the potato.

Description

CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 153,092, filed Jun. 15, 2005 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 580,653 filed Jun. 17, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the packaging of potatoes, and more particularly relates to packaging of single potatoes for individual consumption. [0003] Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, and provide a natural source of vitamin B6 and dietary fiber. In addition, potatoes are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and relatively low in calories. Potatoes are an excellent diet food, since they are remarkably nutritious and filling. However, the perception of potatoes among consumers has suffered as a result of the many unhealthy ways in which potatoes are often prepared, e.g. potato chips, french fries, etc. [0004] One of the healthiest ways to pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] As a result, neither of the prior methods of selling potatoes helps the consumer to understand the health benefits of baked potatoes or provides an easy way to transport an individual potato and prepare it away from home. In addition, neither method provides convenience with respect to enjoying favorite toppings with the individually prepared baked potato, especially when the potato is prepared away from home. In addition, neither method lends itself to convenience in the retail sale of a single serving potato to make it easy for a consumer to purchase a potato along with accessories, flavoring, toppings and / or condiments that are necessary or desirable for consumption of the potato.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a way to package individual potatoes to attract health-conscious consumers and make an individual potato easy to sell, transport and prepare. A way to provide convenient access to baked potato toppings is also desirable.

[0009] With the present invention, a consumer may purchase a single serving baked potato, together with desired toppings and necessary utensils. The consumer is able to conveniently transport the single serving package, e.g. to work, school, etc., and is provided with instructions for microwave cooking the potato as well as a container or receptacle for cooking and eating the potato, along with utensils.

Problems solved by technology

However, the perception of potatoes among consumers has suffered as a result of the many unhealthy ways in which potatoes are often prepared, e.g. potato chips, french fries, etc.

Yet many consumers, harkening back to the days before microwave ovens, consider the process of baking a potato to be a time-consuming chore.

Prior art packaging of potatoes does nothing to combat this misperception.

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