COLANDER ADDITION TO CONTAINER

Abstract

The addition of a colander functionality to a container generally designed to store and thaw or cook food products in the microwave, by adding a perforated area (holes, punctures, or slits) in an area to the container and sealing the area with a cover that can be easily lifted or released after thawing or cooking is completed to allow for the drainage of accumulated liquid and moisture. The addition of the perforated area and cover would typically occur during the manufacturing process of the container prior to the formation of the container or filling of the container with product.

Claims

1. The addition of colander functionality to container comprised of: a perforated area to release moisture, liquid, or steam while keeping contents of enclosed; a cover over the perforated area to keep container sealed until ready for release after thawing, cooking, or warming of contents is completed.

2. The addition of a perforated area according to claim 1 occurs at the time of container in claim 1 being manufactured.

3. The addition of a perforated area according to claim 1 may vary in shape and size, for the overall perforated area, as well as the number, size, and design of perforations.

4. The addition of a perforated area according to claim 1 may also allow for steam to be released from said container after the cooking, thawing, or warming process is completed.

5. The container according to claim 1 may be a bag, pouch, box, or other type, made from materials including but not limited to shrink film, wax coated cardboard, flexible bags, aluminum, lidding films, high barrier thermoforming film, IQF polyethylene, skin film, or similar materials.

6. The container according to claim 1 may be placed in a microwave for warming, cooking, or thawing of contents.

7. The addition of a cover according to claim 1 occurs at the time of container in claim 1 being manufactured.

8. The container according to claim 1 may be disposable or reusable.

9. The cover according to claim 1 is lifted or released from said container after the cooking, thawing, or warming process is completed.

10. The cover according to claim 1 may vary in size, shape, and method or manner of adhesion or closure.

11. The cover according to claim 1 may or may not be resealable.

12. The cover according to claim 1 could remain partially attached to the container or be completely removeable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The following drawings demonstrate an example of a perforated area with its cover shown pulled open. The drawings are a representation of one type of container, with rectangular perforated area and cover, and are not necessarily to scale. They are not intended to limit the possibilities of the types of containers, shape or size of perforated area, type of cover closure, or types of products contained.

[0012] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a produce bag with the invention shown open.

[0013] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a produce bag with the invention shown functioning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The following drawings depict the embodiment of the invention with no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. In contrast, the intent is to reveal any alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0015] In FIG. 1, a container 1 appears as a plastic produce bag commonly used in a microwave to steam or cook food products 2 (shown as broccoli), but other types, sizes, and shapes of containers are within the scope of the present invention. The perforated area 3 shows a group of holes in a rectangular pattern that penetrate the container 1 to facilitate the release of liquid and moisture which accumulates when food products are thawed or cooked. The cover 4 is potentially made from the same material as the container 1, and is shown lifting away from container 1, exposing the perforated area 3. The cover 4 is shown being lifted from container 1 and is shown remaining partially attached to container 1. Along the perimeter of perforated area 3 is a seal 5 comprised of a sealant or adhesive which keeps the cover 4 attached to container 1 until container is ready to be opened to release steam and drain liquids.

[0016] In FIG. 2, the container 1 is shown lifted vertically, forcing the food products 2 to the bottom of the container 1, as well as moisture and condensation pooling into liquid 6. With the cover 4 separated from container 1 and sealant 5, the perforated area 3 allows for liquid 7 to be drained from container 1, while keeping food products 2 contained within container 1.