Cavity creation for uniformly heating pre-cooked and pre-processed food

Abstract

Embodiments disclose a utility model that pertains to pre-cooked and pre-processed food industry for food placement and packaging method to enable uniform heating of food by end customer. The method comprises of pushing an external object (insert piece device) into the food body to allow food to be pushed against the outer walls of the food container. Once desired proportion is achieved, the insert piece device is removed from the food body to form an open cavity in the food body. The cavity creates more open surface area of food exposed for better heat transfer and also reduces food thickness and removes the solid food fill that forms hard-to-heat cold pockets, so now when the food is heated by way of conduction, convection or radiation the heat transfer can reach the food to a greater degree to heat it uniformly and efficiently. The central cavity can be used to store variety of items comprising of food, health and personal items.

Claims

1: A method of forming a cavity within the body of pre-cooked and pre-processed food comprising of rice, pasta, beans, noodles, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, oils, nuts, nut butter, spice, sauce, juice, marinades, thickening agents, emulsifiers, flavorings, enhancing agents, food colors, shelf life extending agents and any other edible ingredients: method of claim 1, wherein an insert piece device is pushed down partially or completely in to body of said food placed in a food container comprising of container having upright circular side walls as shown in FIG. 3; method of claim 1, wherein insert piece device is removed from the said food to create a cavity in said food; method of claim 1, wherein the depth, width and shape of cavity is varied by the size and shape of insert piece device and container shape as per specific results required to achieve cavity size and shape, food thickness and food consistency for a certain type of recipe and method of preparation, ingredients, container shape, size, material, use etc.

2: An insert piece device as shown in FIG. 2, to create a cavity within the body of pre-cooked and pre-processed food is made of material comprising of food grade material: The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is made of material comprising of non-food grade material; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is made of material comprising of a non-edible material, an edible material, a partially edible material, etc.; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is made of shape and size comprising of a varied shape and size to form a desired depth, width and shape of cavity in said food body; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is hollow, solid or a combination of both; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is made of material comprising of inflatable an expandable material; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device is coated with material comprising of non-edible material as a layer; The device as per claim 2, wherein the insert piece device's material comprises of a polymer, monomer, ceramic, glass, rubber, non-stick material, metal, magnetic metal; The device as per claim 2, wherein insert piece device comprises at least 10 weights % of the nonedible material.

3: A method of achieving efficient and uniform heating of pre-cooked and pre-processed food by pushing insert piece device to create cavity prior to refrigerating or freezing of food package comprising of rice, pasta, beans, noodles, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, oils, nuts, nut butter, spice, sauce, juice, marinades, thickening agents, emulsifiers, flavorings, enhancing agents, food colors, shelf life extending agents and any other edible ingredients: process of claim 3, wherein creation of cavity in said food increases exposed surface area of said food resulting in increased heat transfer via a heating appliance comprising of conventional oven, microwave oven, convection oven, air fryer, skillet, deep fryer etc.; process of claim 3, wherein creation of cavity in said food reduces total thickness of said food, thereby increasing efficiency to heat said food via a heat source comprising of conventional oven, microwave, convection oven, air fryer, skillet, deep fryer etc.; process of claim 3, wherein creation of cavity in said food eliminates solid food fill that forms hard-to-heat cold pockets due to being unexposed to a heat source comprising of conventional oven, microwave, convection oven, air flyer, skillet, deep fryer etc.; process of claim 3, wherein insert piece device is pushed down in to body of said food to create cavity exerts pressure to push said food against outer side walls and base of the container henceforth squeezing said food to displace liquid ingredient towards bottom of the container, thereby upon freezing said food results in reduction of crystalized water molecules in food against container walls, hence making said more conductive in nature to increase heating efficiency by use of a heat source comprising of conventional oven, microwave, convection oven, air fryer, skillet, deep fryer etc.; process of claim 3, wherein the insert piece device is pushed in the body of said food allows food stuff to push further towards the outer walls of food container resulting in rising the food level on the container wall, allowing more food to be exposed directly to heat source comprising of conventional oven, microwave, convection oven, air flyer, skillet, deep flyer etc. thus resulting in increased, efficient and uniform heating; process of claim 3, wherein the insert piece device is pushed in and then removed from the body of said food prior to freezing stage, increases exposed food area to multiple heat sources, eliminates frozen food pocket and create a hollow space to reduce the total food thickness, the said food is pressed towards outer container walls causing reduction in frozen crystalized water molecules from the food body and rising of the food level in the container to increase food exposure to heat source, all these improvements have a much higher synergetic effect on end results when said food is heated resulting in increased, efficient and uniform heating.

4: Invention of open cavity within food body to enhance customer experience by allowing to add any extra food materials per personal liking comprising of seasoning, condiment, etc.: Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity gives easy access to the bottom and middle part of the food using an eating device like spoon to mix all food ingredients evenly prior to consuming of said food; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity gives easy access to place an eating device like a spoon, fork, chopstick etc. made from food grade materiel to be used by the customer; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity gives easy access to customer to place a single or multiple small food grade container/s to use as a storage for personal, food or health related item including but not limited to medicines taken at time of food for certain health conditions like diabetes, heartburn etc., coffee pods, food flavorings, surprise gift, paper not, etc.; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity gives easy access to a manufacturer to strategically place a single or multiple small food grade container/s depending on meal type and customer demographic to store a general item comprising of condiments, dips, chewable multivitamin pill, a breath freshener item like a chewing gum, a cross word puzzle, a small dessert item like ice cream, fortune cookie, etc.; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity gives easy access to a manufacturer to strategically place a single or multiple ice pack to keep food cold or frozen for extended time; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity formation in pre-cooked and pre-processed food to attain uniform and efficient heating by using a standard conventional oven, microwave oven, etc. with minimum functionalities and not requiring a special, technologically advanced or high-power heating appliance like conventional oven, microwave oven, etc.; Invention of claim 4, wherein a cavity formation in pre-cooked and pre-processed food to attain uniform heating method reduces the chances of food borne illness due to improper heating of cold or frozen food.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 1—shows food item placed in a container in a conventional method that inherently creates a solid fill center core.

[0035] FIG. 2—shows an insert piece positioned towards body of the food, prior to creation of cavity.

[0036] FIG. 3—shows an insert piece that is pushed inside the body of the food to create an empty cavity as the food is pushed towards outer wall of the container.

[0037] FIG. 4—shows the insert piece removed from the body of food item after the cavity is formed.

[0038] FIG. 5—shows top view of the food container with the insert piece pushed in the food body.

[0039] FIG. 6—shows cross-sectional view of the food container with insert piece pushed into the food body.

[0040] FIG. 7—shows cross-sectional view of the food container with cavity within the food body after the insert piece is removed.

[0041] FIG. 8—shows cross-sectional view of the food container with multiple small food grade containers in the food cavity to store condiments etc.

[0042] FIG. 9—shows a flat style food tray container containing food as a popular and common food container and its utility limitations due to hard-to-heat center and/or deeper food layers that forms cold and/or frozen food pocket that results in un evenly cooked or heated food (this depicts the problem in current pre-cooked and pre-processed food placing and packaging method).

[0043] FIG. 10—shows cross-sectional view of the food container with a single small food grade container covering full or partial part of the cavity to store condiments etc.

[0044] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0048] The present invention is directed to provide an advance solution for heating the food product typically stored in a food grade material packaging and provide a uniform approach toward heating of food product once placed in a conventional oven, microwave oven, deep fryer, etc.

[0049] The method comprises of pre-cooked and pre-processed food placement and packaging method that creates an open cavity within the food item prior to refrigerating or freezing stage that eliminates hard to heat solid fill food core when heated using a heating appliance like conventional oven, microwave oven, etc. resulting in uniformly heating of the food contents.

[0050] The proposed method as per its embodiments allows to create a cavity in the food body itself that is placed in food grade container comprising of container having a circular and upright wall. The method comprises of pushing an external object (insert piece device) into the food body to allow food to be pushed against the outer walls of the food container. Once desired proportion is achieved, the insert piece device is removed from the food body to form an open cavity in the food body. The cavity creates more open surface area of food exposed for better heat transfer and also reduces food thickness and removes the solid food fill that forms hard-to-heat cold pockets, so now when the food is heated by way of conduction, convection or radiation the heat transfer can reach the food to a greater degree to heat it uniformly and efficiently.

[0051] The insert piece as shown from FIG. 2-8 and FIG. 10 is developed from food grade material and non-edible material. The non-edible material may comprise of materials including but not limited to metal, polymer, ceramic, magnet metal and non-stick material.

[0052] By looking at the attached drawings, the embodiments of proposed invention can be understood in detail. The FIG. 1 shows food item (102) is placed in a container (101) in a conventional method that inherently creates a solid fill core.

[0053] This is the most common approach in which food is filled and packed within the container.

[0054] The FIG. 2 shows an insert piece (103) positioned towards body of the food container (101) containing food (102) prior to creation of cavity. The FIG. 3 shows an insert piece (103) that is pushed inside the food body (102) to create an empty cavity as the food is pushed towards outer wall of the container (101).

[0055] The FIG. 4 as per its further embodiments shows the insert piece (103) removed from the food body (102) item contained in the container (101) after the cavity (104) is formed. The FIG. 5 shows top view of the food container (101) with the insert piece (103) pushed into the food (102).

[0056] The FIG. 6 shows cross-sectional view of the food container (101) with insert piece (103) pushed inside the food body (102). The FIG. 7 shows the cross-sectional view of the food container (101) with cavity (104) within the food (102) after the insert piece (103) is removed.

[0057] The FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional view of the food container (101) with multiple small food grade containers (105), (106) in the food cavity (104) to store condiments etc. The food (102) is pushed on sides for effective heating.

[0058] The FIG. 10 shows another cross-sectional view of the food container (101) with a single small food grade container covering full or partial part of the food cavity to store condiments (106) etc. with a lid (109) of small food container.

[0059] The FIG. 9 shows a typical flat style food tray container (108) containing food (102) as a popular and common food container and its utility limitations due to hard-to-heat center and/or deeper food layers that forms cold and/or frozen food pocket that results in un evenly cooked or heated food.

[0060] While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many variations are possible. With time, additional features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.

[0061] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0062] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.