IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO A COOKING APPARATUS

Abstract

Improvements in and relating to a cooking apparatus A container (201) for storing and steaming food is disclosed, together with a packaged food product, a method of packaging food items and a method of cooking food items. The container (201) comprises a first compartment (202) for containing a steam source and a second compartment (203) for containing at least one food item. The second compartment (203) is disposed above the first compartment (202). Preferably, the first compartment (202) is separated from the second compartment (203) by a partition (221) and an adjustable barrier (240), the partition (201) comprising at least one opening (223) for admitting water vapour into the second compartment (203) from the first compartment (202). Preferably, the adjustable barrier (240) is movable from a) a food storing configuration in which the adjustable barrier (240) prevents flow of at least one of i) liquid and ii) gas from the first compartment (202) to the second compartment (203), to b) a food steaming configuration in which at least one of i) liquid and ii) gas is able to flow between the first and second compartments (202, 203).

Claims

1-40. (canceled)

41. A single-use container for storing and steaming food, the container comprising a first compartment for containing a steam source, and a second compartment for containing at least one food item, wherein the second compartment is disposed above the first compartment; wherein, the first compartment is separated from the second compartment by a partition and an adjustable barrier, the partition comprising a plurality of openings for admitting water vapour into the second compartment from the first compartment, and wherein the adjustable barrier is movable from (a) a food storing configuration in which the adjustable barrier prevents flow of at least one of (i) liquid and (ii) gas from the first compartment to the second compartment, to (b) a food steaming configuration in which water vapour is able to flow between the first and second compartments; wherein the adjustable barrier is a non-replaceable barrier movable from the food storing configuration to the food steaming configuration by removal of the non-replaceable barrier from the container; wherein the first compartment is located in a first vessel and the second compartment is located in a second vessel, the second vessel being at least partially insertable into the first vessel, and the first vessel being separable from the second vessel; wherein the second vessel comprises a base and at least one upstanding sidewall, wherein at least the base of the second vessel forms the partition between the first and second compartments so that the partition forms at least a base of the second compartment; wherein the sidewall of the first vessel is configured to surround at least a portion of the second vessel; and, wherein the container additionally comprises a lid, wherein the first vessel, the second vessel and the lid cooperate to entirely enclose the first container and the second container when the first and second vessels and the lid are assembled together.

42. The container according to claim 41, wherein the adjustable barrier is configured to cooperate with the partition, and wherein the adjustable barrier covers the plurality of openings of the partition when the adjustable barrier is in the food storing configuration, and optionally wherein the adjustable barrier is attached to the side of the partition facing the first compartment when the barrier is in the food storing configuration.

43. The container according to claim 41, wherein the adjustable barrier forms a top of the first compartment.

44. The container according to claim 41, wherein the second compartment is divided into a first volume and a second volume, the first and second volumes being separated by a divider, such as a perforated divider.

45. The container according to claim 44, wherein the divider is removable from the container.

46. The container according to claim 41, wherein the container comprises at least one additional compartment for containing at least one additional food item, optionally wherein the additional compartment is disposed above the first compartment.

47. The container according to claim 46, wherein the container comprises at least one additional partition for separating the additional compartment from at least one of a first compartment, a second compartment, and another additional compartment, the additional partition comprising at least one opening for admitting water vapour into said additional compartment, optionally wherein the container comprises at least one corresponding additional adjustable barrier movable from (a) a food storing configuration in which the additional adjustable barrier prevents flow of at least one of (i) liquid and ii) gas into the additional compartment, to (b) a food steaming configuration in which water vapour is able to flow into the additional compartment.

48. The container according to claim 46, wherein the at least one additional compartment is permanently separated from at least one of the first compartment, the second compartment, and another additional compartment, so as to prevent admittance of water vapour into said additional compartment.

49. The container according to claim 47, wherein each additional compartment is located in a corresponding additional vessel, each vessel being separable from each other vessel.

50. The container according to claim 41, wherein the first vessel is releasably connectable to the second vessel.

51. The container according to claim 49, wherein the first vessel, the second vessel and the additional vessel(s) are releasably connectable to each other.

52. The container according to claim 49, wherein at least one additional vessel is insertable into the second vessel, and wherein the second vessel and at least one additional vessel are together insertable into the first vessel.

53. The container according to claim 41, wherein the container is manufactured from card.

54. The container according to any claim 41, wherein the adjustable barrier is attached to the first vessel when the adjustable barrier is in the food storing configuration, preferably wherein the adjustable barrier is attached to an outer surface of the first vessel when the adjustable barrier is in the food storing configuration.

55. The container according to claim 41, wherein the adjustable barrier is attached to the second vessel when the adjustable barrier is in the food storing configuration.

56. The container according to claim 41, wherein the adjustable barrier is in the form of a film, and wherein the adjustable barrier is secured in the food storing configuration by an adhesive.

57. A packaged food product comprising a container according to claim 41, wherein the second compartment of the container contains at least one food item, and wherein the first compartment of the container contains a steam source, for example a water-based liquid or a water-based gel, such as an edible sauce or an edible broth.

58. The packaged food product according to claim 57, wherein the second compartment contains a plurality of different food items, optionally wherein at least one food item is contained in the first volume of the second compartment and at least one different type of food item is contained in the second volume of the second compartment when the second compartment comprises a first volume separated from a second volume.

59. A method of packaging a food product, the method comprising inserting at least one food item into the second compartment of a container according to claim 41, wherein the method comprises inserting a steam source into the first compartment of the container, for example wherein the steam source is a water-based liquid or a water-based gel, such as an edible sauce.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein the method comprises sealing the second compartment from the ambient environment, and optionally sealing the first compartment from the ambient environment.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a first embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention, in an interconnected configuration;

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in a separated configuration;

[0089] FIG. 3 show a diagrammatic side view and a diagrammatic top view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0090] FIG. 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;

[0091] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0092] FIG. 6 show sketches of isometric views of the fourth embodiment of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 5;

[0093] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a stacked arrangement of the apparatus;

[0094] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a container according to the invention with the adjustable barrier in the food storing configuration;

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of another container according to the invention with the adjustable barrier in the food storing configuration;

[0096] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the containers of FIGS. 8 and 9 with the adjustable barrier in the food steaming configuration;

[0097] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another container according to the invention;

[0098] FIG. 12 shows the steps of a method of packaging a food product according to the invention; and

[0099] FIG. 13 shows the steps of a method of cooking a food item according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 1 comprising three discrete containers/vessels 11, 12, and 13 (see FIG. 2), which containers/vessels 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.

[0101] The apparatus 1 is arranged for cooking in a microwave, and the containers/vessels 11, 12 or 13 comprise a plurality of internal volumes/compartments 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/vessel an entrance 82 to the volume, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more perforations/openings in the interconnecting containers.

[0102] The entrance 82 to volume 3 is closed by a lid 2.

[0103] The bottoms 8, 9, 10 of the upper containers 12, 13, 14 are perforated with openings so as to allow passage of heat, steam, fluid or moisture, so as to provide cooking gases throughout the apparatus 1 in use.

[0104] The perforations are in the bases 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The apparatus provides microwavable and recyclable containers, namely a volume with a perforated bottom to sit above a liquid filled volume.

[0108] The apparatus has second, pull off seal members/adjustable barriers (not shown) to close the perforations 8, 9 and 10. The second seal member 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.

[0109] A second seal/adjustable barrier is shown in FIG. 7 covering the container perforated bottom 8 (the second seal being indicated by reference numeral 15).

[0110] In the embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 a sealed pouch 36 sits in a volume/compartment 38 of a tray upper container/vessel 45. The pouch 36 holds fresh chopped accompaniments to be removed prior to cooking.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The lower container is circular in plan, with a flat bottom and wider top edge with opening sides 35.

[0113] The upper container 45 comprises a locking mechanism to seal the lower container 40 to the upper container 45, such as twist and seal.

[0114] The embodiment of the apparatus 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.

[0115] 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/adjustable barrier, 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] In FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown an embodiment comprising a container/vessel separated into double volume layers with a perforated disc 76 inserted within the upper container 4.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the cooking apparatus having two volumes/compartments 3, 4 defined by two containers/vessels 11, 12.

[0122] Container 12 stacks within container 11,

[0123] Container 12 accepts a perforated disc 76 which separates container 12 into two separate volumes 3A, 3B.

[0124] The base of container 12 has perforations/openings 8. The perforations are closed by the second seal member/adjustable barrier 15 which is a removable plastic sheet. The second seal prevents contents between volumes 3 and 4 from mixing until the second seal 15 is removed.

[0125] 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.

[0126] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a container 201 according to another embodiment of the invention, the container 201 being for storing and steaming food. The container 201 comprises a first compartment 202 and a second compartment 203, the first compartment 202 being suitable for containing a sauce (not shown), and the second compartment 203 being suitable for containing food comprising noodles (not shown). The first compartment 202 is defined in a first vessel 210 having a base 211 and upstanding walls 212. The second compartment 203 is defined in a second vessel 220 having a base 221 and upstanding walls 222. When the container 201 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 8, the second vessel 220 is entirely inserted into the first vessel 210 such that the vessels form a stacked/nested arrangement. The base 221 of the second vessel 220 forms a partition between the first and second compartments 202, 203. The base 221 of the second vessel 220 includes a plurality of openings 223 for allowing steam from the sauce to pass from the first compartment 202 to the second compartment 203 when the sauce is heated. Additionally or alternatively, openings could be provided in one or more upstanding walls 222 of the second vessel 220, particularly when the walls 222 of the second vessel 220 are spaced apart from the walls 212 of the first vessel 210, as is the case in the container 201 of FIG. 8. The container 201 further comprises a removable lid 230 that engages with both the first vessel 210 and the second vessel 220 to close the first and second compartments 202, 203. The lid 230 is provided with a sealing member (not shown) that wraps around the circumferential edge of the lid 230 and the tops of the first and second vessel 210, 220, providing an airtight seal therebetween. In order to gain access to the vessels, the user removes the sealing member (which is a single-use seal that cannot be used the re-seal the vessels after opening). Alternatively, the lid 230 could be provided as a screw-fitting lid, for example held in place by one or more removable tabs. With such a lid arrangement, the sealing member could be provided in the form of a gasket that forms a seal between the lid and the upper most edge of the second vessel and/or the first vessel. In the container 201 of FIG. 8, the second vessel 220 has an outwardly depending rim (not shown) around its top allowing it to rest on the top edge of the first vessel 210. Alternatively, the first vessel 210 could be provided with a ledge upon which the second vessel 220 could rest. Still alternatively, the second vessel 220 could be attached to and suspended from the lid 230, which could in turn rest upon the top of the first vessel 210.

[0127] The container 201 further comprises an adjustable barrier 240, shown in its food storing configuration, in which the adjustable barrier 240 is affixed to the outer surface of the base 221 of the second vessel 220, covering the openings 223. The adjustable barrier 240 is a flexible plastic film that is attached to the second vessel 220 with an adhesive (not shown). To move the adjustable barrier 240 from its food storing configuration to its food steaming configuration, the user separates the first and second vessels 210, 220, unpeels the adjustable barrier 240 from the bottom of the second vessel 220, then reassembles the first and second vessels 210, 220.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a container 301 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Features of the container 301 that are the same as those of container 201 of FIG. 8 are labelled with the same reference numerals. The container 301 of FIG. 9 comprises and adjustable barrier 340, shown in its food storing configuration, in which the adjustable barrier 340 is affixed to the inner surface of the walls 212 of the first vessel 210. The adjustable barrier 340 is a flexible plastic film that is attached to the second vessel 220 with an adhesive (not shown). To move the adjustable barrier 340 from its food storing configuration to its food steaming configuration, the user separates the first and second vessels 210, 220, unpeels the adjustable barrier 340 from the walls 212 of the first vessel 210, then reassembles the first and second vessels 210, 220. The container 301 of FIG. 9 includes a sealing member 350 is entirely separate to the lid 230. The sealing member 350 is attached to the side walls 222 of the second vessel 220 and seals the second compartment 203. In order to gain access to the second compartment 203, the user first removes the lid 230 and then unpeels and removes the sealing member 350.

[0129] FIG. 10 shows the container 201, 301 of FIGS. 8 and 9 with the adjustable barrier (not shown) in the food steaming configuration. The container 301 is also shown with the sealing member 350 removed.

[0130] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a container 401 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Features of the container 401 that are the same as those of container 201 of FIG. 8 are labelled with the same reference numerals. The container 401 comprises an additional compartment 404 defined in an additional vessel 450 having a base 451 and upstanding walls 452. When the container 401 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 10, the additional vessel 450 is entirely inserted into the second vessel 220, and the second vessel 220 is entirely inserted into the first vessel 210, such that the vessels form a stacked/nested arrangement. The base 451 of the additional vessel 450 forms a partition between the second compartment and the additional compartment 203, 404. The base 451 of the additional vessel 450 includes a plurality of openings 453 for allowing steam from the sauce to pass from the first compartment 202 to the additional compartment 404 (via the second compartment 203) when the sauce is heated.

[0131] The container 401 further comprises an adjustable barrier 440, shown in its food storing configuration, in which the adjustable barrier 440 is affixed to the outer surface of the base 451 of the additional vessel 450, covering the openings 453. The adjustable barrier 440 is a flexible plastic film that is attached to the additional vessel 450 with an adhesive (not shown). To move the adjustable barriers 240, 440 from their food storing configurations to their food steaming configurations, the user separates the first, second and additional vessels 210, 220, 450, unpeels the adjustable barriers 240, 440 from the bottoms of the second and additional vessels 220, 450, then reassembles the first, second and additional vessels 210, 220, 450.

[0132] FIG. 12 shows the steps of a method of packaging a food product according to the invention. The method comprises a first step 1001 of inserting a food item (such as noodles) into the second compartment of a container according to the invention, a second step 1002 of inserting a steam source (such as a sauce) into the first compartment of said container, a third step 1003 of sealing the second compartment from the ambient environment, and a fourth step 1004 of sealing the first compartment from the ambient environment. Optionally, if the first and second compartments are located in separate vessels, the method may additionally comprise a step (not shown) of connecting together the vessels. It will be appreciated that the method may additionally comprise steps (not shown) of inserting another food item (such as vegetables) in a third compartment, sealing the third compartment from the ambient environment, and connecting the vessel containing the third compartment to the vessels containing the first and second compartments. It will be appreciated that the steps of sealing the first and second compartments may, optionally, be carried out simultaneously, and/or before or after connecting the vessels together.

[0133] FIG. 13 shows the steps of a method of cooking a food item according to the invention. The method comprises a first step 2001 of providing/obtaining a packaged food product according to the invention, a second step 2002 of inserting a steam source (e.g. water) into the first compartment of the container if it does not already contain a steam source, a third step 2003 of moving the adjustable barrier from the food storing configuration to the food steaming configuration, and a fourth step 2004 of exposing the steam source to heat to generate steam.

[0134] Further embodiments of the invention are set out in the following numbered clauses: [0135] 1. Apparatus for cooking in a microwave oven comprising: a plurality of volumes which are interconnected in use; the volumes are defined by one or more containers which are microwave-safe and each includes a base and an entrance to the volume; the volumes are fluidically interconnected by one or more perforations provided on at least one container; and the perforation(s) on at least one container are covered by a displaceable seal. [0136] 2. Apparatus according to clause 1 comprising a plurality of containers defining discrete volumes. [0137] 3. Apparatus according to clause 2 including at least one divider. [0138] 4. Apparatus according to clause 1 comprising a single container with at least one divider to define separate volumes within the container. [0139] 5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the container or containers have one or more lids to close the entrance(s) to the volume. [0140] 6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein an entrance has a single-use seal. [0141] 7. Apparatus according to any preceding clause wherein the perforations are arranged in the base of the container [0142] 8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the perforations are arranged in the lid. [0143] 9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the perforation(s) includes or comprises at least one one-way valve. [0144] 10. Apparatus according to any preceding clause including a handle.

[0145] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

[0146] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.