SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AND PRESENTING FOOD

Abstract

A system for presenting and preparing foodstuffs that include a plurality of individual foodstuff blocks provided formed into basic shapes comprises a heating device including a heatable cooking receptacle for one or more foodstuff blocks with a heatable grill surface and at least one heating mandrel projecting from the grill surface; wherein the heating mandrel is insertable into a passage opening provided in each respective foodstuff block and is adapted to the contour of the passage opening so as to avoid an air gap between the wall of the passage opening and the heating mandrel.

Claims

1.-52. (canceled)

53. A system for presenting and preparing foodstuffs that include a plurality of individual foodstuff blocks provided formed into basic shapes, the system comprising: a heating device including a heatable cooking receptacle for one or more foodstuff blocks with a heatable grill surface and at least one heating mandrel projecting from the grill surface; wherein the heating mandrel is insertable into a passage opening provided in each respective foodstuff block and is adapted to the contour of the passage opening so as to avoid an air gap between the wall of the passage opening and the heating mandrel.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the foodstuffs are ready-to-eat foodstuffs.

55. The system of claim 53, wherein the receptacle has two mutually adjustable grill grids provided to accommodate one or more foodstuff blocks therebetween.

56. The system of claim 53, wherein the heating mandrel has a length that corresponds to the depth of the passage opening in the foodstuff block.

57. The system of claim 53, wherein the foodstuff blocks as an input component for the preparation are composed of a plurality of raw or pre-cooked foodstuff layers and of a block core consisting of a foodstuff or a foodstuff mixture, the foodstuff layers and the block core having (a) an identical foot print, or (b) a foot print which deviates by a maximum of 20% in the longitudinal and transverse extent of the foot print of the block core or of another foodstuff layer.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the block core and the foodstuff layers, after being stacked one on top of the other, are positively connected to one another in a transverse direction via mutually corresponding embossed or raised regions.

59. The system of claim 56, wherein the foodstuff block has a shape at least one of (a) such that edges of the basic body shape of the foodstuff block are indented, bulged, or rounded, or (b) includes at least one of a cylinder, a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, a multi-sided prism, or a section of a basic body shape.

60. The system of claim 53, wherein the foodstuff block has at least one surface running along a flat or curved plane, in which surface, in order to form a predetermined breaking line or in order to enlarge the surface of the food block, curved or rectilinear depressions are made, which at least one of form a symmetrical pattern on the surface of the food block or are rectilinear and comprise at least two depressions arranged at right angles to one another.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein the area between the depressions is shaped to have a convex or a concave surface, and the food block has at least one pair of opposing surfaces, wherein opposing depressions are provided.

62. The system of claim 53, wherein at least one foodstuffs block is provided having a plurality of passage openings arranged on a rectangular, square, elliptical or circular virtual line extending around the center of gravity of the foodstuff block.

63. The system of claim 53, wherein at least one foodstuff block is composed of individual foodstuff blocks, which are joined together by pressing or deep freezing to form a single foodstuff block or a block core.

64. The system of claim 53, wherein the assembled foodstuff block has predetermined breaking points by which it can be divided into the individual foodstuff blocks, the predetermined breaking points being formed by depressions or before the assembly by a less adhesive coating of the edge regions of the individual foodstuff blocks.

65. The system of claim 53, wherein a plurality of foodstuff blocks are provided that each have passages extending at an angle to the passage opening for inserting or passing through skewers or sticks.

66. The system of claim 53, wherein the heating device is configured such that the heating mandrel is retracted into the plane of the grill surface after a predefined or adjustable cooking time.

67. The system of foodstuffs of claim 68, wherein, the grill surface is arranged obliquely and a collecting tray for fully cooked food blocks is provided below the grill surface.

68. The system of claim 54, wherein the heating device is an active heating device and is equipped with a plurality of receptacles for receiving in parallel foodstuff blocks or at least one foodstuff block or a block core and at least one further foodstuff layer, wherein the heating device is configured such that the heating temperatures or starting times of the heating function of the individual receptacles are matched to each other and to the type of food layers to be cooked in the receptacles such that the foodstuffs positioned in the individual receptacles are fully cooked at a common time.

69. The system of claim 53, wherein the heating device has a control and a reading device for a cooking instruction, wherein coded cooking instructions are associated with the foodstuff blocks, which cooking instructions can be read by the reading device, and wherein the control is configured to start and run a cooking program comprising at least one heating process indirectly or directly from the cooking instruction, and wherein the coded cooking instructions are embodied in the form of a bar code or QR code.

70. The system of claim 53, wherein the heating device is connectable to a global or local computer network for information regarding length and temperatures input into control electronics via the computer network; wherein the heating device is configured for preparing the foodstuff in conformity with the information received via the global or local computer network.

71. The system of claim 53, wherein the heating device comprises a base body, at least one lid embodied movably on the base body, and a heater for heating at least one of at least a part of the lid or the base body in the region of the receptacle, wherein the base body and the lid are configured such that, when the lid is lowered onto the base body, the receptacle is formed or a plurality of receptacles are formed between the base body and the lid, and wherein, starting from the lid and/or the base body, at least one heating mandrel, which is adapted in its shape to the passage openings in the food block, extends into the receptacle and, when the lid is closed in the passage opening, penetrates the receptacle.

72. A system for preparing food of claim 71, wherein the lid is connected to the base body via a lifting joint comprising a lever mechanism, which configured such that during a first partial opening movement the lid is translationally spaced from the base body and only in a subsequent partial opening movement the lid is also pivoted in addition or as an alternative to the translational movement.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawings.

[0033] In the drawings:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an example heater for use in conjunction with the present system;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a foodstuff block;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates the foodstuff block shown in FIG. 2 in a plan view;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the foodstuff block shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a sectional side view;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an alteration of the foodstuff block shown in FIGS. 2 to 4,

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a further foodstuff block comprising depressions and predetermined breaking points;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an example assembled food product;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the food product shown in FIG. 7;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a barbecue skewer assembled from foodstuff blocks; and

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a passive heating device for use with the present system.

DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a heating device 8 for use in connection with the present system. The heating device 8 is designed here in the manner of a waffle iron and has, by way of example, only one receptacle 9 for receiving a foodstuff block 1. Of course, the variety of combinations is almost unlimited here; any number of receptacles 9 may be provided side by side or one behind the other, spaced apart or merging into one another. For the sake of simplicity, the smallest heating device 8 with only one receptacle 9 is described here.

[0045] The heater 8 has a lower base body, which may here have a slider on the right-hand side for setting the temperature or the heating duration. Of course, two separate controllers for the two functions may also be provided. In particular, a timer circuit can also be provided which automatically switches off the heater 8 after a predetermined or set heating duration has been reached, issues an alarm and/or automatically opens the lid, which is then closed under the pretension of a spring device. In a more elaborate solution, these functions can be controlled by control electronics, and optionally a reading device can also be provided via which the heating device 8 can read in the necessary preparation regulations or entire recipes. Such a reading device may in particular be designed to be able to read a QR code, a barcode or any other coded instruction.

[0046] In case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device is provided with only one slider. In the base body, a lower part of the receptacle 9 for the foodstuff block 1 is provided in the form of a recess in the surface of the base body. The base body itself is cuboidal in shape and has four feet for standing and a front handle for handling, which may be thermally insulated so as not to heat up. The same applies, of course, to the wall of the base body.

[0047] The lid is hinged to the base body. Preferably, this connection is designed in such a way that it results in a lifting hinge, i.e., a hinge that does not move the lid exclusively rotationally but provides an upstream translational movement. This has the advantage that the opening of the lid does not damage the prepared food.

[0048] The upper part of the receptacle 9 is provided in the lid itself. Here, heating mandrels 10 protrude from the upper side downwards, which dip into the passage openings 2 in the foodstuff block 1 when the lid is lowered. The heating mandrels 10 are adapted in size to the contour of the passage opening 2. This avoids an air gap between the wall of the passage opening 2 and the heating mandrel 10, which optimizes heat transfer. However, since there is no gap between the heating mandrel 10 and the inner wall of the passage opening 2, it is advisable to first pull the heating mandrel 10 translationally out of the passage opening 2. The lifting hinge described above is provided for this purpose, although such a translatory movement of the cover can of course also be realized in another way. The translatory movement should be so large that the heating mandrel 10 is pulled out of the passage opening 2 with the largest area thereof. It can be kept somewhat smaller if the heating mandrel 10 tapers downward, since a gap then already results from a small opening movement.

[0049] Alternatively, of course, in the case of a heater 8 that has a pure swivel lid, the heating mandrel 10 may also be adapted to the swivel movement in its shape so that the heating mandrel 10 rotates out of the passage opening 2 along the wall of the passage opening 2 when the lid is opened. In addition, or alternatively thereto, the inner contour of the passage opening 2 may also be shaped accordingly.

[0050] The heater 8 shown in FIG. 1 is part of a food preparation system. This system essentially uses foodstuff blocks 1 that are optimized for this system. These can be any form of food prepared either by cooling or by heating. Mixtures of food products, which will be described further below, are also considered here. Heating can be both heating via a grill or similar oven function and heating in a water bath, for example according to the so-called sous vide cooking technique.

[0051] In a further alternative, the heating device 8 is designed in such a way that the heating mandrel 10 is automatically retracted into the plane of the grill surface after a predefined or adjustable cooking time, preferably with the grill surface arranged at an angle and with a collecting tray for fully cooked foodstuff blocks 1 provided below the grill surface.

[0052] When using the sous vide cooking technique, the foodstuff block 1 is heated in a heating device 8 that has a temperature-controlled water bath. Heating mandrels 10 can also be used here, which are then of course heated to a lower temperature to protect the film with which the foodstuff blocks 1 are wrapped using the vacuuming technique. In this device, the temperature of the water bath can be controlled either exclusively via the heating mandrels 10 or also via a separate heating device.

[0053] To encapsulate the foodstuff blocks 1, they are first placed in a suitable film bag, which is then vacuumed. Subsequently, the film can be pressed through the passage openings by means of a press die in the area of the passage opening 2, possibly also with the use of heat, punched in this area and then sealed. To ensure that this is done without drawing in air, this is best done under vacuum. Alternatively, of course, the foodstuff block 1 can be covered on one side with a film which is either already provided in advance with appropriate shaping or which, after being covered, is pressed down into and through the passage opening 2, the opposite side and the edges then also being covered with film and the films then being welded. Provided that the passage openings 2 are to remain free, the film can then be punched out in this area. Ultimately, the method of production of the foodstuff blocks 1 sealed in vacuum bags is a question of the quantities to be produced.

[0054] Foodstuff blocks 1 not sealed under vacuum in foil can be prepared immediately. An advantage is that by using the heating mandrels 10, heat can also be introduced directly into the foodstuff block 1, so that, in conjunction with the fact that the foodstuff block 1 has a fairly small thickness, fast and reliable preparation becomes possible. In particular, the foodstuff block 1 can also be introduced into the heating devices 8 in a frozen state and thus be prepared ready for consumption from the frozen state.

[0055] For the preparation of the foodstuff block 1, the heating device 8 is controlled accordingly. This can be done manually or also using pre-programmed sequences, as is already known today from the field of steam cookers, for example. Preprogrammed sequences are particularly suitable if, for example, a foodstuff block 1 is first to be defrosted and it is then to be grilled under higher heat. A phase of lower heat at the beginning of the preparation prevents overcooking of the outer layers. Also, of course, the user can select the degree of cooking in such sequences and the programming of the control system can reliably ensure that the desired result is achieved.

[0056] If the programming of the sequences has not already been integrated into the controller of the heater 8 at the factory, this can be done either via a user dialog that the electronics conduct with the user via suitable input means or also via the automated reading of a sequence into the heater 8. An exemplary embodiment for such an automated read-in consists in reading in a code, for example a QR code or a bar code. This can either already mean the direct reading in of the sequences, which are then stored in the code, or can also only be the reading in of a reference, for example an Internet address, via which the required data can be automatically retrieved by the heater 8.

[0057] An advantageous further example uses external software, also in the form of an app stored on a smartphone or tablet, to facilitate preparation. Recipes and also control instructions can be stored in this software. This allows the user, in addition to accessing collections of ideas, to influence the preparation in certain cases, for example by selecting a degree of cooking or by choosing a more or less crispy surface. Also, of course, the software can provide instructions to the user during preparation. For example, the user may be prompted to sequentially feed different blocks of food into the heating device 8, either side by side or stacked on top of each other.

[0058] For example, if a foodstuff block consisting of meat is to be scalloped with cheese, the user may be prompted to place the cheese slice after an initial cooking period. Also, the user may be prompted to open the heating device 8 after an initial cooking phase or at the beginning of the preparation to allow a gentle cooking process without the grill function. There are virtually no limits to the variety here; ultimately, this depends on the type of food and the particular recipe. Of course, the instructions can also be provided via other sources, for example cookbooks or a website, or via the heating device 8 itself. The instructions may be transferred to the heating device 8 in an automated manner, or they may be displayed to the user only visually or via sound output. In particular, however, controlling the heater 8 in accordance with the instructions will be a particularly advantageous solution, since in this case an incorrect operation, for example due to incorrect temperature selection, can be avoided from the outset.

[0059] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 each show a foodstuff block 1 for use in conjunction with the system, which has a central passage opening 2. The foodstuff block 1 has the basic shape of a cuboid and has depressions 3 on its surface and its underside (not visible here). These depressions 3 can serve to better couple the heat of a cooking device into the surface at these points. The same function can be performed by the passage opening 2.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the section A-A from FIG. 2. Here it can be seen that the foodstuff block 1 has a passage 4 at right angles to the passage opening 2. This passage 4 can be used, for example, to insert a skewer 5 through the foodstuff block 1, as can be seen in FIG. 9. This can be used to select, as desired, from the freezer or refrigerator the desired type of foodstuff blocks 1 and assemble them into a skewer to be then prepared on the grill. The foodstuff blocks may contain or consist of meat, fish, vegetables or fruit.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a variation of a foodstuff block 1 comprising a block core and foodstuff layers 7. Such a foodstuff block 1 can be prefabricated, in which case the individual layers of the foodstuff block 1 are preferably already formed at the factory so that they adhere firmly to one another. This can be done via a protein compound, via deep freezing after joining or via other measures, in particular via an adhesion promoter. This foodstuff block 1 also has a central passage opening 2 extending through the entire foodstuff block 1. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Provided, for example, that the foodstuff layers 7 become liquid during preparation, the passage opening 2 could also be provided only in the region of the block core. Here, too, a passage 4 is provided for attachment to a skewer 5.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a further form of foodstuff block 1. Here, the foodstuff block 1 consists of a larger base body which, like the foodstuff blocks 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, has depressions 3 on its upper side and its underside. Here, the indentations 3 can serve as predetermined breaking points, so that the foodstuff block 1 can be divided into partial blocks by breaking off individual parts. This can be done before preparation or even during consumption. The depression 3 may be of any depth and, as in the example embodiment shown, may extend from the edge to the passage openings 2. Provided that no passage openings 2 are provided, the depressions 3 can also extend from edge to edge.

[0063] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an exemplary application of the system according to the invention for the presentation and preparation of foodstuffs. Here, a foodstuff block 1 is produced by combining a block core with further foodstuff layers 7.

[0064] The block core has a filling 6 which can provide, for example, a sauce. A spice filling can also be introduced, of course. In one example, the block core is a meat patty. Above and below the top of the block core, two foodstuff layers 7 each are provided here, by way of example, with, for example, an upper and a lower foodstuff layer 7 directly abutting the block core, as a cheese layer and/or in the form of bacon. Ultimately, there is no limit to the scope of design here. In the example shown, one foodstuff layer 7 is provided below and one above, which is in the form of a slice of bread or half of a bun.

[0065] The individual foodstuff layers 7 as well as the block core are provided with embossings so that a form-fit connection of the stack results in the transverse direction. In this way, for example, the annoying slipping out of the block core can be prevented when eating the hamburger-like food product.

[0066] FIG. 9 shows, as mentioned above, another application. Here, several foodstuff blocks 1 are arranged in a row on a spit 5. These foodstuff blocks 1 also have passage openings 2 and depressions 3, the spit 5 being inserted through passages 4 in the foodstuff blocks 1. The depression 3, as well as the passage opening 2, can be used here to optimally introduce the heat of a grill into the foodstuff blocks 1. The passage opening 2 can further be used, for example, to deposit a barbecue sauce here, which then flows out of the reservoir formed by the passage opening 2 when heated. Cooking fat can also be deposited here, so that the barbecue skewer can be prepared in a pan without adding any further fat.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a heating device 8. In this embodiment, the heating device 8 is designed as a passive heating device 8. The heating device is used, for example, to be heated in an oven or in a pan. Special devices may also be used, for example having a rectangular receptacle shape or support on which the heaters 8 shown in FIG. 10 may be placed side by side and/or one behind the other.

[0068] To heat the heater 8 shown in FIG. 10, it is heated in particular from below via heat conduction. In the embodiment shown, the foodstuff block 1 is inserted into the heater 8 from above, completely filling the receptacle 9. Alternatively, of course, the receptacle 9 can also be designed in such a way that several foodstuff blocks 1 can be inserted next to each other.

[0069] The foodstuff block 1 is heated and cooked within the receptacle, as in many other embodiments of the invention, via the heat conduction of the heating mandrels 10 and via the heat input from below or via the side wall of the receptacle 9. For this purpose, the heating mandrels 10 may have special cores or coatings that are optimized with respect to heat conduction. The same applies, of course, to the base area, which can be provided with a honeycomb structure, for example in the manner of a frying pan. The walls can also be equipped accordingly. All areas that come into contact with the foodstuff block 1 are preferably provided with a non-stick coating. This may be, for example, a coating of PTFE plastic, also known by the trade name Teflon.

[0070] A removal device is provided in the right-hand area of the heating device 8. The foodstuff block 1 can be placed on a disc which can be placed on the heating mandrel 10 and has the elevations shown here for dipping into the depression 3 of the foodstuff block 1, this disc then being inserted into the receptacle 9 with the handle shown on the right. The disc naturally has corresponding depressions for the passage of the heating mandrels 10. As an alternative, the heating mandrels 10 can also be arranged on the disc or engage in bump-like protrusions on the disc. This has the advantage that, once the foodstuff block 1 has been prepared, the user can remove it particularly easily and wipe the prepared foodstuff block 1 laterally from the disc or detach it from the disc by inverting the disc. Again, all parts that the user touches as intended are provided with a thermo-insulating property.

[0071] The system can be used for a wide variety of food products, whereby it is particularly interesting here that the user recognizes that the basic system is always the same and that the quality expectation that exists with him can be fulfilled by this. For example, the foodstuff block 1 can also be a rice block, whereas a fish component can be provided in the passage opening 2, for example, to build up a sushi-like food product. For this purpose, of course, the passage opening 2 may be made correspondingly larger. Alternatively, a seasoning marinade may also be provided, while the fish component is provided as the upper foodstuff layer 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE SKINS

[0072] 1 Foodstuff block [0073] 2 Passage opening in the foodstuff block [0074] 3 Depression in the foodstuff block [0075] 4 Passage of the foodstuff block [0076] 5 Skewer [0077] 6 Filling [0078] 7 Foodstuff layer [0079] 8 Heating Device [0080] 9 Receptable [0081] 10 Heating mandrel