GB2560226B

GB2560226B - A cooking apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2560226B
Application number: GB1722034.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mellersh Suzanna; Francis Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-28
Filing date: 2017-12-28
Publication date: 2019-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-28
Also published as: GB201622318D0; GB201722034D0; GB2560226A

Description

A Cooking Apparatus

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for cooking, in particular for cooking through steaming; more particularly apparatus suitable for cooking in a microwave.

Background

Increasing convenience in foodstuffs and foodstuff preparation is common across many societies, as well as a contemporaneous great recognition of the importance of good food. This can create a difficult conflict needing an effective solution.

Prior Art US 2014 348 989 (Resurreccion et al) discloses a package for heating a food product, comprising paperboard material and a microwave energy interactive material. The package comprises a first container with a first sidewall and a first bottom wall, the first sidewall and the first bottom wall cooperating to form a first interior space; a second container received in the interior space of the first container.

The second container has a second sidewall and a second bottom wall forming a second interior space comprising a portion of the first interior space. The second bottom wall is spaced apart from the first bottom wall to define a first compartment below the second bottom wall for receiving a first product and a second compartment above the second bottom wall for receiving a second product, wherein the second bottom wall has at least one vent opening for allowing steam to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment. US 2011 0 120 993 (Birchmeier et al) discloses a multi-component package comprising: a lower container configured to contain a first filled food product, having an opening and a flange provided on the peripheral edge of the opening, and a lower container lid material for sealing the opening; and an upper container for containing a second filled food product, having an opening, a containing portion and a flange extending from the peripheral edge of the opening below the bottom part of the containing portion to enclose the side surface of the containing portion, and an upper container lid material for sealing the opening.

The flange of the lower container and the of the upper container main body are configured so that the lower container and the upper container can couple to each other, with at least one vapor vent provided in the lower container lid material, whereby the water vapor generated upon heating the first filled food product is released from the lower container to heat the second filled food product of the upper container. EP2204114 (Backaert et al) discloses a microwave steam cooking container system for cooking foodstuff, comprising a water reservoir, a food container comprising a plurality of apertures on a bottom thereof, an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion with a microwave shielding material encapsulated between said inner and outer wall portions, and a cover comprising an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion with a microwave shielding material encapsulated between them, wherein the food container is stacked and removably placed in the reservoir so foodstuff to be cooked is shielded from direct exposure to microwave energy. EP1419721 (Kim) discloses a cooking vessel used with microwave ovens. US2011/0017078 (O'Connell) discloses an energy efficient cooking set with separate regions. US2009/0078125 (Pawlick et al) discloses an oven cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary ofthe Invention

The present invention provides an apparatus for cooking and a packaged food product as defined in the claims.

More particularly, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for cooking in a microwave oven comprising: a plurality of volumes which are interconnected in use; the volumes being defined by a plurality of containers which are microwave-safe and each includes sides, a base and an entrance to the volume; the plurality of containers including an upper container nested in a lower container; the sides of the upper container having a more oblique angle than the sides of the lower container thereby providing a spacing between the sides of the upper and lower containers; wherein the volumes are fluidically interconnected by a plurality of perforations provided on the upper container; the plurality of perforations being covered by a displaceable seal in the form of a removable flexible layer comprising a plastic sheet, wherein the displaceable seal is provided on an outer surface of the upper container, and wherein the apparatus comprises a re-usable lid for closing the entrance of the lower container over the upper container, the lid comprising a resiliently deformable seal or catch for holding the lid in place on the lower container.

In this way different food types are separated in the apparatus and fluidic connection is only permitted when the seal is removed. After the seal is removed and as the apparatus and food therein are heated, heated air and steam are able to pass through the perforations into different volumes to permit cooking ofthe food.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a single-use apparatus, available for example, at point of purchase with foodstuffs in the volumes.

In some other embodiments the apparatus may comprise a reusable apparatus, with the volumes filled in use.

In some embodiments the containers may comprise wholly discrete containers, being displaceable one from another, which are interconnected or stackable in use. Such containers may comprise an entrance to a bounded volume (or container) and a base, upon which base the container may be rested, so as to enable the volume to be used as a serving bowl for example.

The seal is provided adjacent the perforations so as to close the perforations and prevent mixing of contents from one volume to another. Advantageously this may increase the shelf life of foodstuffs within the apparatus.

The provision of separate volumes may also improve food quality by permitting food stuffs to cook in separate volumes prior to consumption.

The apparatus comprises at least one lid. In some embodiments each entrance to a volume is closed by a lid. In this way each lid is displaceable so as to create an entrance to a respective container.

In some embodiments the entrance may be covered before use by a second hermetic seal member. This may be in addition to the lid. For example this second seal member may be wholly displaceable prior to use, so as to unseal any foodstuffs for cooking purposes.

The seal member may be single-use and disposable. . In some embodiments the second seal member may be a separate part to the lid, wherein the lid may be placed on the entrance, or otherwise over the volume, after the first seal member has been displaced.

The lid comprises a resiliently deformable seal or catch, so as to catch over the entrance, container, apparatus or volume and held in place.

In this way the apparatus has two seals: a first seal that closes the perforations, and a second seal that closes the entrance to the volume.

In some embodiments the volumes are bounded in use to one face by the entrance and to other faces by the outer. This outer therefore may be envisaged to provide a continuous side or sides, with a bottom, wherein the bottom is substantially parallel to or opposite the entrance. Optionally the entrance may be substantially planar so as to enable an outer container to be stood on a flat surface.

In some other embodiments the bottom may comprise a rim, which rim provides a contact with the surface. In this way the bottom may be non-planar albeit without depending below the rim.

At least one of the adjoining containers has perforations to permit heated air and steam to pass from one volume to another.

Preferably the perforations are provided through a base of one container that connects to a second container. It is appreciated that the outer container has no perforations to prevent escape of contents from the apparatus.

The perforations may be provided by a permeable material or structure and/or plurality of perforations such that moisture, steam or heated air is able to pass through the bottom of one container into another.

The perforations on at least one container are covered by the first removable seal so as to fully separate food types into different compartments until cooking.

The first seal is typically a flexible layer that is arranged adjacent to the perforations on the base of the container. Preferably the first seal is provided on a lower face of a container, typically its base, so that it can be readily removed without contacting food contents whilst still ensuring the contents remain in the container.

The first and second seals may be provided by means of in mould labelling and use of an adhesive so as to secure a seal or heat sealing portion around the rim of a container or around one of its inner or outer surfaces.

The seals may be formed from any suitable heat safe, food safe material. Typically the seals are from synthetic plastics film.

In some embodiments the first and second seal members may be reusable. For example the first and second seals being silicone layers that are arranged over the entrance of a volume to seal contents or over the perforations to seal contents.

In some embodiments a reusable seal may include projections that correspond to the perforations on a base or divider so that each perforation is filled with a projection in order to close each perforation and to create a seal between an adjacent volume or between a volume and an outer environment. The interconnection between the projections and perforations is a resistance fit that serves to hold the seal adjacent and in contact with the perforations.

Preferably there are two seals and both the first and second seals are peeled away prior to use or cooking.

In some embodiments other areas of the outer comprise perforations in addition or the alternative.

For example in some embodiments the sides may comprise perforations and/or permeability. In some embodiments the bottom may comprise perforations and/or permeability incident the rim for example.

In some embodiments the lid may comprise perforations in addition or the alternative.

In some embodiments the bottom comprises a mesh, arranged with a majority of perforation and a minority of bridging material.

In some embodiments the perforations comprise one-way valves, for example wherein the perforations are covered by a resiliently deformable coating, and/or the perforations are exposed by passage of air or fluid.

Typically containers are stacked one atop, or partially within another. In this way the number of volumes can be selected for the food type to be contained.

At least one of an upper container is able to fit wholly or partly within a lower container, for example where part of the upper container suspends off the lower container. For example an upper container may comprise a radially extending lip which sits on the lower container. The lower container may comprise a support surface for the lip, for example its top edge or a radially extending rim. In this way the lid may cover the stacked containers.

The sides of the upper container comprise a more oblique angle than the lower container's sides such that spacing is developed between the sides of the containers. In this way the sides of the upper container are perforated effectively.

In the above way the apparatus provides a microwavable convenience steaming apparatus which functions by comprising of two or more containers that are stacked into one convenient unit. In use each volume holds a food element that can be microwaved.

For example wherein a lower volume holds a liquid or sauce such as soup, sauce, broth or curry, then a top volume/s sits above and in some embodiments inside the lower volume, above the liquid.

The apparatus thereby allows users to have fresh food in one convenient microwavable product, allowing the different elements of a meal to be heated separately so they do not become stodgy, congealed or mushed together. The invention allows for example, noodle soup to be sold and eaten fresh without the noodles and pasta having to be stored in a broth or soup and so avoids the noodles or pasta from becoming soggy over time, In another arrangement fresh vegetables such as broccoli may be added to a stir fry with rice without the need for the broccoli to have to remain in a sauce, thereby again avowing it from becoming soft and stodgy whilst on a shop shelf. The invention therefore allows for fresh convenience food to be prepared as an instant type food when a consumer may be 'on the go', such as during a short lunch break or for a quick, convenience meal.

The apparatus allows for healthy fresh alternatives to stodgy products that are already available and just require water in order to rehydrate them.

The upper container has a perforated steam permeable outer to allow steam to penetrate through to the contents of the upper container whilst the apparatus is microwaved. This steam comes from the liquid or sauce during heating and then heats and warms food in the top volume such as, noodles, rice, pasta, vegetables.

The apparatus thereby allows for fresher home cooked meals to be assembled, using only one microwavable apparatus with layered volumes. The apparatus may be double layered or triple layered, with vertically stacked volumes, and/or the top container may be subdivided into horizontal volumes for separate foods.

Volumes may be subdivided in use within a single container, for example wherein a perforated divider may be displaceably situated within a volume.

The perforated divider may be a perforated disc arranged in use within a container to separate the volume into compartments. Typically the container is adapted to receive the disc such that it is received and sits in a fixed position that separates one food item from another. For example, the container may have a ridge upon which the divider sits in use.

In some embodiments the divider may include a handle to permit the divider, such as the disc, to be easily lifted from the container to permit removal of the seal.

The handle is typically an elongate member that extends from the divider so that it can be grasped by a user.

In some embodiments the handle may be detachable part that is connected to the divider for removal and insertion purposes. The divider may be adapted to receive the handle, for example having connector for receiving the handle removable manner, such as an aperture through which part of the handle is passed in order to be secured to the divider. For example the handle may fit to the divider by a hook and eye mechanism, a twist lock, a snap fit or other interlocking means.

In some embodiments the divider may be shaped to be slightly concave to define a recess in which the food stuffs sit so that food stuff is less liable to fall from the divider when it is lifted out to remove the seal.

In another embodiment the divider may include a raised lip around a perimeter edge to provide a barrier to prevent food from falling from the divider during removal from and insertion to the container. In this way the divider may by in the form of a basket.

In yet a further embodiment the divider may include baffles to help keep food stuffs spread across the perforations to enhance even cooking of food stuffs.

It is appreciated that baffles may also be provided across the base of a container to perform the same function.

The perforated divider may receive a seal to close the perforations in the same way in which perforations of the container are closed. Any of the above mentioned seals may be provided to close the perforations of a divider.

In some embodiments the seal may also connect with the container in order to prevent leakage around edges of the divider. Alternatively, the divider may have a sealing edge that engages with the container to form a seal. For example the edge of the divider may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as silicone.

In some embodiments variation in perforations may be used to interconnect volumes, for example vertically and/or horizontally, for example wherein dividers may be used collaboratively, cumulatively or in variant horizontal or vertical arrangements. Such dividers may interconnect, for example by clip mechanism.

In still further embodiments containers may be inserted into or within other container volumes.

The apparatus may comprise a mechanism to interconnect the containers, for example wherein the containers are held in place to prevent mutual movement through the steam action. For example in some embodiments the containers may interconnect through a screw thread or bayonet mechanism, and/or resiliently deformable seals or catches.

In some embodiments each of the lower container and the upper container or containers are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeability, such as lugs, ledges and lips.

The trays may be nested loosely for ease of removal of the upper container(s) from the lower container(s). Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve or carton.

The apparatus is formed from cooking proof, food safe materials. Preferably the apparatus is formed from synthetic plastics. In some embodiments, part of the apparatus may be formed from card.

In some embodiments the apparatus may be suitable for us in an oven, in addition to a microwave oven. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a first embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention, in an interconnected configuration;

Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in a separated configuration;

Figures 3 show a diagrammatic side view and a diagrammatic top view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 4 show sketches of isometric views of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, in a separated configuration and a stacked configuration respectively;

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

Figures 6 show sketches of isometric views of the fourth embodiment of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5; and

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a stacked arrangement of the apparatus.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1 and 2 there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 1 comprising three discrete containers 11,12, and 13 (see Figure 2), which containers are usable as separate serving dishes, and which are interconnected or stacked together so as to be enabled to allow simultaneous cooking, in a microwave.

The apparatus 1 is arranged for cooking in a microwave, and the containers 11,12 or 13 comprise a plurality of internal volumes 3, 4, 5 and 6, which volumes 3, 4, 5 and 6 are interconnected in use, the containers 11, 12 or 13 further comprising a microwave-safe outer 54, bases 7, 8, 9, and 10, and each container an entrance 82 to the volume, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more perforations in the interconnecting containers.

The entrance 82 to volume 3 is closed by a lid 2.

The bottoms 8, 9,10 of the upper containers 12,13,14 are perforated so as to allow passage of heat, steam, fluid or moisture, so as to provide cooking gases throughout the apparatus 1 in use.

The perforations are in the 8, 9, 10 of the upper containers 12, 13, 14 which relates to below the volumes. The lowest container 11 has a solid base 7, wherein the volume 6 contains a body of fluid A.

The upper containers 12, 13 and 14 may be fixed in place with a twist and seal mechanism (not shown), comprising an inverted thread mechanism around the inner top of the bottom container and the outer top of the upper container to allow for the container to be watertight and not leak in transit. A twist and seal method is the preferred choice however this could be achieved using a rubber ring, lips and ledges and even a clasp over clip down and fasten or over-centre mechanism.

The apparatus provides microwavable and recyclable containers, namely a volume with a perforated bottom to sit above a liquid filled volume.

The apparatus has second, pull off seal members to close the perforations 8, 9 and 10. The second seal member 15 is removed prior to cooking. It is appreciated that for some uses seals may be removed at different times during cooking to reflect different cooking times of contents.

The second seal is shown in Figure 7 covering the container perforated bottom 8.

In the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 3 a sealed pouch 36 sits in a volume 38 of a tray upper container 45. The pouch 36 holds fresh chopped accompaniments to be removed prior to cooking.

The embodiment is circular in plan and comprises an upper container 45 horizontally divided into three volumes 36, 39 and 46, namely two quarter segments divided from each other by a vertical wall 43, and from a half segment 46, divided by another vertical wall 41. The whole comprises a circular perimetric lip 44 for hanging onto the top edge of the lower container 40.

The lower container is circular in plan, with a flat bottom and wider top edge with opening sides 35.

The upper container 45 comprises a locking mechanism to seal the lower container 40 to the upper container 45, such as twist and seal.

The embodiment of the apparatus 1 further provides a lid 37 for the upper container 45, and may include disposable cutlery to go with it, i.e. wooden chopsticks, plastic spoon, fork etc.

The apparatus may be safety sealed in the factory and in use: the user removes any outer packaging, opens the lid 37 taking out the pouch 36, lifts out the upper container 45 and removes from the perforated bottom 42 a pull off tab, then seals the upper container 45 back onto or into the lower container 40, places the lid 37 gently on top and microwaves for the recommended time. Once microwaved they let stand then remove the upper container 45, and assemble their meal on a plate or in a bowl, or they put their ingredients from the upper container volumes 38, 39 and 46 into the bottom volume and add the fresh ingredients form their fresh pouch on top and eat.

One of the most important features of this apparatus is allowing for convenience healthy steam heated food to be eaten on the go. The layered formation enables liquid in the lower container and another foodstuff in the upper container or containers.

In Figures 5 and 6 there is shown an embodiment comprising a container separated into double volume layers with a perforated disc 76 inserted within the upper container 4.

The disc 76 comprises a vertical stick handle 77 to lift the disc 76 and make it easier for the user to separate the layers.

The disc is pictured with linear dash perforations, in all embodiments the perforations may be envisaged as any shape, for example round holes, small, intermediate or long slits.

It is appreciated that the disc may receive a seal to close the perforations. In this way one volume may have separate sealed compartments. Removal of the seal opens the perforations and permits a fluidic connection between adjoining volumes.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the cooking apparatus having two volumes 3, 4 define by two containers 11,12.

Container 12 stacks within container 11.

Container 12 accepts a perforated disc 76 which separates container 12 into two separate volumes 3A, 3B.

The base of container 12 has perforations 8. The perforations are closed by the second seal member 15 which is a removable plastic sheet. The second seal prevents contents between volumes 3 and 4 from missing until the second seal 15 is removed.

The apparatus 1 accepts a lid 2 which closes the containers. The container is pictured as round, but embodiments may be envisaged to be capable of formation in various shapes and sizes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for cooking in a microwave oven comprising: a plurality of volumes which are interconnected in use; the volumes being defined by a plurality of containers which are microwave-safe and each includes sides, a base and an entrance to the volume; the plurality of containers including an upper container nested in a lower container; the sides of the upper container having a more oblique angle than the sides of the lower container thereby providing a spacing between the sides of the upper and lower containers; wherein the volumes are fluidically interconnected by a plurality of perforations provided on the upper container; the plurality of perforations being covered by a displaceable seal in the form of a removable flexible layer comprising a plastic sheet, wherein the displaceable seal is provided on an outer surface of the upper container, and wherein the apparatus comprises a re-usable lid for closing the entrance of the lower container over the upper container, the lid comprising a resiliently deformable seal or catch for holding the lid in place on the lower container.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including at least one divider.

3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the entrance of the upper container has a single-use seal separate to the displaceable seal.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least some of the plurality of perforations are arranged in the base of the upper container.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least some of the plurality of perforations are arranged in the side of the upper container.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the plurality of perforations include or comprise at least one one-way valve.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim including a handle.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the volumes are vertically stacked.

9. A packaged food product comprising a liquid foodstuff and a non-liquid foodstuff contained in a microwavable apparatus, wherein the microwavable apparatus comprises: a first volume defined by a first container and a second volume defined by a second container, the second container being stacked within the first container, the sides of the containers being spaced apart, wherein the second container comprises a plurality of perforations for fluidically interconnecting the first and second volumes, wherein the plurality of perforations are covered by a displaceable seal in the form of a flexible plastic sheet, wherein the displaceable seal is provided on an outer surface of the second container, and wherein the apparatus additionally comprises a re-usable lid closing the first container over the second container, the lid comprising a resiliently deformable seal or catch for holding the lid in place on the first container; and wherein the liquid foodstuff is located in the first container and the nonliquid foodstuff is located in the second container.

10. A packaged food product according to claim 9 wherein the liquid foodstuff is a soup, sauce, broth or curry.

11. A packaged food product according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the non-liquid foodstuff is noodles, rice, pasta, or vegetables.