Abstract:
A comestible wrap product comprising a relatively rigid backbone and a flexible outer skin is provided along with a method for making the same. The flexible outer skin is wrapped around the relatively rigid backbone and one or more additional ingredients. The flexible skin is grilled to resist unfolding and holds together rigid backbone and any additional ingredients.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/315,765, filed Dec. 22, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/639,042, filed Dec. 23, 2004 and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/651,148, filed Feb. 9, 2005. The entire contents of these three applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates to food products and methods for preparing food products.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Mexican restaurants often serve a food item called a tostada. A tostada is generally a crisp corn tortilla shell topped with ingredients such as beans, sauce, lettuce, and cheese. Although the tostada is a popular item, it has several drawbacks particularly for Mexican restaurants that offer quick service or take-out food prepared for customers to take with them to eat at another location. The tostada&#39;s drawbacks are particularly problematic for customers buying food at drive-through windows since those customers often buy food to eat in their cars.  
         [0006]     The traditional tostada is not an easily portable food item. The beans, sauce, lettuce, and cheese rest on a flat tortilla shell. Therefore, the beans, sauce, lettuce, and cheese are vulnerable to sliding off the tortilla shell and/or to getting wiped off the tortilla shell by a bag, a clothing item such as a customer&#39;s sleeve, or by some other object. The traditional tostada can be messy to eat. Customers eating traditional tostadas are generally forced either to use eating utensils or to contend with beans and cheese on their fingers.  
         [0007]     Another drawback of the traditional tostada is that the hot ingredients such as the beans are mixed with the cold ingredients such as the lettuce. Thus, if the tostada is not eaten promptly after it is assembled the heat transfer from the hot ingredients to the cold ingredients decreases the quality of the product. The hot items cool down more quickly, and the cold ingredients heat up and loose their crispness.  
         [0008]     A comestible wrap food product consistent with one or more aspects of this invention includes the benefits of the popular tostada taste without the drawbacks of the traditional tostada associated with portability and freshness.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention provides a comestible wrap product comprising a relatively rigid, crunchy member providing a structure for the wrap; one or more ingredients disposed adjacent to the crunchy member; and a flexible outer skin folded around the crunchy member so as to completely enclose the crunchy member and the one or more ingredients, the flexible outer skin including a plurality of folds on one side of the crunchy member, each fold being grilled such that the outer skin resists unfolding and holds the crunchy member and one or more additional ingredients inside. In some embodiments, the flexible outer skin is folded along six lines.  
         [0010]     In some embodiments, a first side section of the flexible outer skin is folded toward the center of the wrap; a second side section of the flexible outer skin is folded toward the center of the wrap; and each remaining side section of the flexible outer skin is folded toward the center of the wrap until no side section remains unfolded. In one embodiment, each consecutive side section selected for folding is adjacent to the side section previously folded. In one embodiment, six side sections of the flexible outer skin are folded toward the center of the wrap. Also, in one embodiment, the perimeter of the wrap has a generally hexagonal shape.  
         [0011]     In some embodiments, the crunchy member may comprise a deep fried corn tortilla. Also in some embodiments, the flexible outer skin may comprise a flour tortilla. In some embodiments, both a folded side and an unfolded side of the outer skin are grilled.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides a comestible wrap product comprising: a relatively rigid structural base wherein the structural base has a first side and a second side; at least one hot ingredient in contact with the first side of the structural base; at least one cold ingredient in contact with the second side of the structural base; and a flexible outer skin that holds together the structural base and the hot and cold ingredients. In some embodiments, the structural base may comprise a deep fried corn tortilla. In some embodiments, the flexible outer skin may comprise a flour tortilla. In some embodiments, the flexible outer skin is folded around the structural base, the one or more hot ingredients, and the one or more cold ingredients. In some embodiments, the flexible outer skin comprises folds along six lines. Also, in some embodiments, the perimeter of the wrap has a generally hexagonal shape. In some embodiments, the wrap is grilled.  
         [0013]     In accordance with one application, the present invention provides a method of preparing a comestible wrap product comprising: folding a flexible outer skin member around a relatively rigid, crunchy member and around one or more additional ingredients such that the outer skin member holds together the crunchy member and the one or more additional ingredients; and heating the outer skin layer so that it resists unfolding. In some applications, the heating step comprises grilling at least one side of the wrap. Also, in some applications, the method comprises placing one or more hot ingredients on a first side of the rigid base and placing one or more cold ingredients on a second side of the rigid base.  
         [0014]     In some applications folding the outer skin member comprises making six folds. Also in some applications, folding the outer skin member comprises: folding a first side section of the outer skin member toward the center of the wrap; folding a second side section of the outer skin member toward the center of the wrap; and folding each remaining side section of the outer skin member one at a time toward the center of the wrap until no side is left unfolded. Also, in some applications of the method, each consecutive side section selected for folding is adjacent to the side previously folded. In one application, six sides section of the outer skin are folded toward the center of the wrap. In some applications, heating the wrap product comprises grilling.  
         [0015]     Another aspect of the present invention involves a food product comprising one or more relatively rigid backbones or substrates with at least one comestible element on each side of the relatively rigid backbone. An outer skin layer is folded around the relatively rigid backbone. The outer skin layer also surrounds the comestible elements on both sides of the relatively rigid backbone and holds all of the elements together. The outer skin can be grilled or ungrilled.  
         [0016]     A method of preparing a food product consistent with this invention begins with the outer skin layer. At least one comestible food element is placed near the center of an upward facing surface of the outer skin layer. The relatively rigid backbone is then placed on top of the at least one comestible food element. Next, at least one additional comestible food element is place on top of the relatively rigid backbone. The outer skin layer is folded around the relatively rigid backbone so as to generally cover the comestible food elements on both sides of the backbone.  
         [0017]     In one assembly mode, a first side section of the outer skin layer can be folded by bringing an edge of the outer skin layer towards the center with the outer skin pulled generally taut against the backbone. Then a second side section of the outer skin layer is folded towards the center, with the skin again being taut against the backbone. The second side section of the skin preferably is adjacent to the first side section. Each consecutive side section of the outer skin layer is folded until no unfolded sides remain. The folded product can then be grilled to help the folds adhere to each other and stay in place or, in another embodiment, the comestible food elements can be used to help the folds adhere to each other.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment, the relatively rigid backbone or substrate that serves as a base layer may comprise a tostada shell or fried corn tortilla. A soft flour tortilla may serve as the outer skin layer. A layer of meat and/or beans can be placed on top of the outer skin layer. A layer of cheese may be placed on top of the layer of meat and/or beans. Then the relatively rigid backbone layer, a tostada shell, is placed on top of the layer of cheese. A layer of sour cream may be placed on top of the relatively rigid backbone layer. Vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes may be placed on top of the relatively rigid backbone layer as well. The soft flour tortilla is then folded around the other ingredients using the tostada shell as a base for the folds. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. The following are brief descriptions of the drawings.  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the top and portions of the sides of one embodiment of a comestible wrap product consistent with this invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a plan view showing the top of the wrap of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the bottom of the wrap of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an elevation view showing the wrap of  FIG. 1  from one of its sides.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view showing the wrap of  FIG. 1  from a point in between two of its sides.  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view showing the wrap of  FIG. 1  from a different point between another two sides.  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view showing the wrap of  FIG. 1  from another one of its sides.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates a cross section view of the wrap of  FIG. 1  taken alone line  8 - 8 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates a step in one application of the method for preparing one embodiment of a comestible wrap product consistent with this invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates the first step in folding the outside skin layer of one embodiment of a comestible wrap product consistent with this invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates the second step in folding the outside skin layer of one embodiment of a comestible wrap product consistent with this invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0031]     With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , an embodiment of a comestible wrap product  1  is shown having certain features and advantages in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 8 , an inner base of the wrap is a relatively rigid backbone or substrate  10  that provides support and helps define a shape for the wrap. In the embodiment shown, the relatively rigid backbone or substrate  10  has a circular shape; however, in other embodiments the backbone  10  may have other shapes (e.g. triangle, oval, octagonal, etc.) The relatively rigid backbone also provides the wrap  1  with a crunchy or crispy texture that appeals to consumers. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the relatively rigid backbone  10  comprises a tostada shell or a deep-fried corn tortilla. These are just examples of comestibles that are more rigid than an outer skin  12  of the wrap. It is understood that other relatively rigid comestibles can be used in other applications having some or all of the aspects and features of the present wrap. Such other relatively rigid comestibles include, without limitation, crackers, dried or fried meal-based products, dried or fried bread products, dried or fried potato-based products, and the like.  
         [0032]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-7 , the outside of the wrap  1  is defined by the outer skin  12 , which comprises a soft wrap layer. The outer skin layer  12  is folded about the relatively rigid backbone  10 . The outer skin layer  12  also surrounds the other elements and holds all of the elements together. The outer skin layer  12  makes the wrap  1  an easily portable food item since it is easier to transport and easier to eat a food item that is self contained. The outer skin layer  12  inhibits the messier ingredients inside from spilling.  
         [0033]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the outer skin layer  12  can be seen at the bottom of the wrap  1 . A layer of hot ingredients  14 , such as meat or beans, can be placed just on top of the outer skin  12 . A cheese layer  16  is preferably placed on top of the hot ingredient layer  14 . The cheese  16  preferably is a melted nacho-type cheese or other cheese-like sauce, but grated cheese can also be used in the wrap. The relatively rigid backbone  10  rests on top of the cheese layer  16 . A sour cream layer can be placed on top of the relatively rigid backbone. Cool ingredients  20  may also be added on top of the relatively rigid backbone  10 . For example, a layer of shredded lettuce can be placed on top of the sour cream layer, and a layer of chopped tomatoes can be placed on top of the lettuce layer. The folds  22  of the outer skin layer  12  are shown at the top of the wrap.  
         [0034]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the relatively rigid backbone  10  separates the hot ingredients  14 , such as meat or beans from the cool ingredients  20 , such as lettuce and tomatoes. This arrangement generally keeps the hot ingredients  14  from losing their heat and the cool ingredients  20  from warming up. The wrap then retains freshness even when a consumer does not eat it immediately after it is made.  
         [0035]     In alternate embodiments of a comestible wrap product consistent with this invention, the ingredients may vary and the order of the layers of ingredients may vary. For instance, in one embodiment additional ingredients such as hot sauce or peppers may be added. In another embodiment the hot ingredients  14  may be mixed with the cool ingredients  20  so that all of the ingredients are on one side of the relatively rigid backbone  10 . In yet another embodiment, the wrap may be made without the cool ingredients  20 , and in still another embodiment the wrap may be made without the hot ingredients  14 . Additionally, the wrap can include two or more relatively rigid backbones that can be of the same shape, texture, and taste and formed of the same material. Alternatively, the two or more backbones can be different.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 9-11  illustrate one application of the method for preparing the tostada wrap  1  illustrated by  FIGS. 1-8 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , the preparation of the wrap begins with the outer skin  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the outer skin  12  is a soft flour tortilla. The person preparing the wrap preferably places the hot ingredients  14  such as beans and/or meat (for example ground beef) near the center of the upward facing surface of the outer skin  12 . A cheese layer  16  may be added on top of the hot ingredients  14 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the relatively rigid backbone  10 , in this case a tostada shell, is placed on top of the hot ingredients  14  and/or cheese layer  16 . Sour cream may be added on top of the tostada shell. With reference to  FIG. 9 , cool ingredients  20  such as shredded lettuce may be added on top of the sour cream. Another example of a cool ingredient  20 , that may be added is chopped tomatoes.  
         [0037]     As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the next step in preparing the wrap is folding the outer skin  12 . With reference to  FIG. 10 , a first side section  30  of the outer skin layer  12  in this case the soft tortilla, is folded by bringing the edge of the outer skin layer  12  towards the center of the wrap, with the outer skin  12  pulled generally taught against the backbone  10 . The relatively rigid backbone  10  provides a guide for folding the outer skin layer  12  such that the fold in the outer skin layer  12  is made at the edge  32  of the relatively rigid backbone  10 , in this case the tostada shell. Next, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a second side section  34  of the outer skin layer  12  is folded towards the center of the wrap and pulled generally taught against the tostada shell. The second side section  34  of the outer skin preferably is adjacent to the first side section  30 . Again, the relatively rigid backbone  10  is used as a guide folding the outer skin layer  12 , and the fold is made at the edge  32  of the relatively rigid backbone  10 . The remaining sides of the outer skin layer  12  are each folded one at a time towards the center of the wrap until no sides of the outer skin layer  12  are left unfolded.  FIG. 1  depicts the outer skin layer  12  enclosing the other ingredients after folding has been completed. Each of the folds is made at the edge of the relatively rigid backbone  10 .  
         [0038]      FIGS. 1-8  show one embodiment of a comestible wrap product  1  consistent with this invention where a total of six folds are made in the outer skin layer  12 . The end result is a wrap  1  having a perimeter that is the shape of a hexagon. Although the embodiment shown has a circle shaped backbone  10  and six folds are made in the skin  12 , sore or less than six folds can be used with a circle shaped backbone  10 . The total number of folds in the outer skin layer  12  can vary in different embodiments of the wrap. For example, one embodiment of the wrap has three folds in its outer skin layer and has a triangular shaped perimeter. Another embodiment has four folds in its outer skin layer and has a square shaped perimeter. Yet another embodiment has eight folds in its outer skin layer and has an octagonal shaped perimeter. Any number of folds can be used.  
         [0039]     The final step in preparing the wrap is heating it. The folded wrap preferably is placed folded side down on a hot pan or grill. The wrap preferably is cooked folded side down on the grill until the folded side has generally reached a caramel color. The opposite side, the flat side of the wrap, can either be cooked simultaneously or subsequently. For example, the wrap can be grilled on a grill press which will grill both sides of the wrap at the same time. Alternatively, the wrap can be flipped and the flat side can be cooked on the grill until it has generally reached a caramel color. The heating step helps the folded sides of the outer skin  12  to stick together so that the wrap&#39;s outer skin  12  tends to stay folded. In different embodiments of the wrap, the method of cooking the wrap may vary. For example, only the folded side of the wrap is grilled in some embodiments.  
         [0040]     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the soft outer skin layer  12  is large enough relative to the backbone  10  that the folded edges of the soft outer skin layer  12  meet or overlap in the center of the wrap  1 . However, partial closure is acceptable. In some embodiments, the soft outer skin layer  12  may not be large enough relative to the backbone  10  to have its folded edges meet in the middle. Thus, a space may separate the folded up edges of the outer skin layer  12  at the center of the wrap  1 . The space, however, preferably is sufficiently small to inhibit the inner ingredients from spilling out the space.  
         [0041]     The wrap can be served to a customer using any of a number of different presentation or packaging methods. For example, the wrap can be served on a tray, preferably for consumers who intend to eat the wrap at the restaurant where they purchase the wrap, or the wrap can be served in a clam-shell type box, preferably for consumers who take the wrap out of the restaurant. The wrap can also be served on a tray with both the wrap and tray placed in a clam-shell type box. In yet another example, the wrap can be served in a pocket type package that encloses a portion of the wrap while the remainder of the wrap extends outside of the package. A consumer can hold the wrap within the pocket type package while eating the portion of the wrap that extends outside of the package making the wrap even easier and less messy to eat. A preformed pocket type package can be used or a packaging, material, for example foil or paper, can be folded around the wrap to form a pocket type package.  
         [0042]     The wrap provides a portable food product that can include many popular ingredients while minimizing the difficulties often associated with transporting and eating food products containing those ingredients. Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.