Retention device for low-structure food item and method of operation

Abstract

A retention device for a low-structure food item and method of operation for holding a low-structure food, such as a bun-less sandwich, during preparation, holding, and consumption. The retention device comprises a pair of flat panels having spikes arranged on one side. The panels sandwich the food item above and below to provide a border that supports the food item while held and consumed. The panels have spikes on one side that orient towards the food item to penetrate the food item. The spikes maintain lateral stability of the food item during consumption. In operation, the panels press down on the food item from opposing sides, causing the spikes to penetrate the food item.

Claims

1. A retention device for low-structure food items, the device comprising: a flat, rigid top panel defined by a food side and an external side, wherein one or more rigid spikes are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship from the food side of the top panel; and a flat, rigid bottom panel defined by a rim, a food side and an external side, wherein a plurality of rigid spikes are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship from the food side of the bottom panel, wherein the top panel and the bottom panel have a diameter smaller than the food item, thus allowing to sandwich the low-structure food item in between the panels and facilitate to hold the low-structure food item at its center, whereby the spikes being defined by a sharp terminus penetrate the low-structure food item to provide lateral stability to the food item, further the rim of the bottom panel is raised to a predetermined height from the flat surface of the food side thereby creating a border around a center region of the food item so as to facilitate to block viscous fluid of the food item from spilling past the rim of the bottom panel.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the panels have a round shape.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the low-structure food item comprises a bun-less sandwich, comprising a stacked arrangement of meat, lettuce, cheese, and condiments.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the food item is selected from the group consisting of casseroles, gels, pates, and frozen liquids.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the spikes are manufactured from material selected from the group consisting stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the panels are manufactured from material selected from the group consisting stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

7. A method of holding low-structure food items by a retention device, the method comprising: positioning center region of a low-structure food item on a flat, rigid bottom panel of the retention device, the bottom panel is defined by a rim, a food side, and an external side, multiple rigid spikes extending from the food side of the bottom panel; urging the food item through the spikes of the bottom panel; pressing a flat, rigid top panel opposite to the bottom panel of the device while the food item is sandwiched between the panels, the top panel defined by a food side, and an external side, one or more rigid spikes extending from the food side of the top panel; urging the spikes of the top panel down until proximal or engaged with the bottom panel, wherein the panels have a diameter smaller than the food item, thereby exposing an outer region of the food item outside the panels; consuming the outer region of the food item; restricting viscous components of the food item from falling off the edge of the panels with the rim of the bottom panel, wherein the rim of the bottom panel is raised to a predetermined height thereby creating a border around the center region of the food item; disengaging at least one of the panels from the food item; and consuming the center region of the food item.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the panels have a round shape.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the low-structure food item comprises a bun-less sandwich, comprising a stacked arrangement of meat, lettuce, cheese, and condiments.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the food item is selected from the group consisting of comprises casseroles, gels, pates, and frozen liquids.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the spikes and the panels are manufactured from material selected from the group consisting stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, wood and a combination thereof.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the method allows the retention device to hold the low-structure food item during preparation, holding, and consumption.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary top panel and a bottom panel for a retention device for low-structure food item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary bottom panel for a retention device for low-structure food item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary low-structure food item being positioned between the top panel and the bottom panel, with the spikes penetrating the food item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an outer region of the food item being consumed while held between the panels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the top panel being removed to access the center region of the food item, with the spikes penetrating the food item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a center region of the food item being consumed with the top panel removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for consuming a low-structure food item with a retention device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(10) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(11) A retention device 100 for low-structure food item 300 and method 700 of operation is referenced in FIGS. 1-7. The retention device is configured to hold a low-structure food, such as a bun-less sandwich, during preparation, holding, and consumption. A user can retain the food item 300 between the panels while consuming an outer region 400 of the food item. Thereafter, at least one of the panels 102a, 102b can be disengaged to enable the user to finish consuming a center region 500 of the food item 300.

(12) As referenced in FIG. 1, the retention device 100 comprises a pair of flat panels 102a, 102b defined by an edge 108, a food side 104, and an external side 106. The panels 102a, 102b have multiple equidistant spaced-apart spikes 110 arranged on the food side 104 of each panel. The panels 102a, 102b are configured to sandwich the food item 300 from above and below; thereby creating a border around a center region of the food item 300 while the outer region 400 is being held and consumed. In one embodiment, the panels 102a, 102b have a diameter smaller than the food item 300, such that the outer region 400 of the food item 300 can be consumed while the panels 102a, 102b are engaged; and then after at least one of the panels are removed, the center region 500 is accessible for consumption.

(13) The panels 102a, 102b have plurality of spikes 110 on the food side 104 of each panel that orient towards the low-structure food item 300 to penetrate the food item 300. The spikes 110 help to maintain lateral stability of the low-structure food item 300 while being held and consumed. In one alternative embodiment, a perimeter rim 109 forms at the bottom panel 102b to restrict flowage of viscous components, such as condiments, grease, and food juice, from falling off the edge 108 of the panels 102a, 102b, however both the panels 102a, 102b can have the perimeter rim 109 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In operation, the panels 102a, 102b press down on the food item 300 from opposing panel food sides, causing the spikes 110 to penetrate the food item 300. With the panels 102a, 102b engaged, the low-structure food item 300 is laterally stable, and can be consumed from an outer region 400. After the outer region 400 is consumed, the upper and/or bottom panel 102a, 102b is removed to provide access to, and finish consuming the center region 500 of the low-structure food item 300.

(14) One aspect of a retention device 100 for low-structure food items, shown in FIG. 2, comprises a pair of flat, rigid panels 102a, 102b defined by a food side 104 and an external side 106, the panels 102a, 102b being operable to sandwich a food item 300; and a plurality of rigid spikes 100 disposed in a spaced-apart relationship from the food side 104 of the panels 102a, 102b, the spikes 110 being defined by a sharp terminus penetrate the food item 300, whereby the spikes 110 help create lateral stability to the food item 300.

(15) In another aspect, the panels 102a, 102b have an identical shape related to the shape of the low-structure food item 300 for example a round shape, a triangular shape, or any other desired shape that is suitable for holding the food item 300 at its center region 500. For holding and consuming a bun less burger the shape of the panels 102a, 102b may be circular; however for a bun less hotdog the shape of the panels 102a, 102b may be elongated. Shape of the panels 102a, 102b may be varied depending on the shape and structure of the food item without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

(16) In another aspect, the device 100 further comprises a rim 109 of predetermined height disposed at the perimeter 108 of the food side 104 of at least one of the panels 102a, 102b, thereby creating a border around a center region 500 of the food item 300 so as to facilitate to block viscous fluid of the food item 300 from spilling past the rim 109.

(17) In another aspect, the low-structure food item 300 comprises a bun-less sandwich, comprising a stacked arrangement of meat, lettuce, cheese, and condiments.

(18) In another aspect, the low-structure food item 300 comprises casseroles, gels, pates, and frozen liquids that is retained in such a manner.

(19) In another aspect, the spikes 110 are manufactured from material selected from the group consisting stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

(20) In another aspect, the panels 102a, 102b are manufactured from material selected from the group consisting stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

(21) In another aspect, a retention device 100 for low-structure food items 300, the device 100 comprising a flat, rigid top panel 102a defined by a food side 104 and an external side 106, wherein one or more rigid spikes 110 are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship from the food side 104 of the top panel 102a; and a flat, rigid bottom panel 102b defined by a rim 109, a food side 104 and an external side 106, wherein a plurality of rigid spikes 110 are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship from the food side 104 of the bottom panel 102b, wherein the top panel 102a and the bottom panel 102b have a diameter smaller than the food item 300, thus allowing to sandwich the low-structure food item 300 in between the panels 102a, 102b and facilitate to hold the low-structure food item 300 at its center, whereby the spikes 110 being defined by a sharp terminus penetrate the low-structure food item 300 to provide lateral stability to the food item 300, further the rim 109 of the bottom panel 102b is raised to a predetermined height from the perimeter 108 of the flat surface of the food side 104 of the panel 102b thereby creating a border around a center region 500 of the food item 300 so as to facilitate to block viscous fluid of the food item 300 from spilling past the rim 109 of the bottom panel 102b.

(22) In another aspect, a method 700 of holding low-structure food items 300 by a retention device 100, the method 700 comprising positioning center region 500 of a low-structure food item 300 on a flat, rigid bottom panel 102b of the retention device 100, the bottom panel 102b defined by a rim 109, a food side 104, and an external side 106, multiple rigid spikes 110 extending from the food side 104 of the bottom panel 102b; urging the food item 300 through the lower spikes 110; pressing a flat, rigid top panel 102a opposite to the bottom panel 102b of the device 100 while the food item 300 is sandwiched between the panels 102a, 102b, the top panel 102a defined by a food side 104, and an external side 106, multiple rigid spikes 110 extending from the food side 104 of the top panel 102a; urging the spikes 110 of the top panel 102a down until proximal or engaged with the bottom panel 102b, wherein the panels 102a, 102b have a diameter smaller than the food item 300, thereby exposing an outer region 400 of the food item 300 outside the panels 102a, 102b; consuming the outer region 400 of the food item 300; restricting viscous components of the food item 300 from falling off the edge of the panels 102a, 102b with the rim 109 of the bottom panel 102b, wherein the rim 109 of the bottom panel 102b is raised to a predetermined height thereby creating a border around the center region 500 of the food item 300; disengaging at least one of the panels 102a, 102b from the food item 300; and consuming the center region 500 of the food item 300.

(23) In another aspect, the method allows the retention device to hold the low-structure food item during preparation, holding, and consumption.

(24) Looking again at FIG. 1, a retention device 100 for low-structure food items comprises a pair of flat, rigid panels 102a, 102b that are defined by a food side 104 and an external side 106. In one non-limiting embodiment, the panels 102a, 102b are defined by a circular shape. In other embodiments, the panels 102a, 102b may have a square shape, a triangular shape, and an irregular shape or the panels 102a, 102b may have an identical shape related to the shape of the low-structure food item 300. Suitable materials for the panels 102a, 102b may include, without limitation, stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

(25) As shown in FIG. 3, the panels 102a, 102b are operable to sandwich a low structure food-item 300 from above and below by pressing down the panels 102a, 102b on both sides of the food item 300. The panels 102a, 102b are sized to enable consumption of a substantial amount 400 of the food item 300 while the panels 102a, 102b are engaged. In one embodiment, the panels 102a, 102b have a diameter smaller than the food item 300, such that the edges 400 of the food item 300 can be consumed while the panels 102a, 102b are engaged (FIG. 4). After the outer region 400 of the food item 300 is consumed, the panels 102a, 102b may be removed to enable consumption of the center region 500 of the food item 300 (FIG. 5).

(26) In some embodiments, the low-structure food item 300 may include a bun-less sandwich made of a stacked arrangement of meat, lettuce, cheese, and condiments. Though in other embodiments, other low-structure food items, such as casseroles, gels, pates, and frozen liquids may be retained in such a manner. However the retention device can be used to hold other items without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

(27) The device 100 also provides a plurality of spikes 110 that are disposed in a spaced-apart relationship on the food side 104 of the panels 102a, 102b. The spikes 110 are defined by a sharp terminus that is sufficiently sharp to penetrate the food item 300. The spikes are sufficiently rigid, so as not to bend when penetrating the food item 300. The spikes 110 are configured to penetrate the low-structure food item 300. Thus, the spikes 110 create lateral stability to the food item 300, preventing the components of the food item 300 from sliding to the edges of the panels 102a, 102b. Suitable materials for the spikes 110 may include, without limitation, stainless steel, metal alloys, a rigid polymer, and wood.

(28) In alternative embodiments, one of the panels 102a, 102b, including the bottom panel 102b, provides a perimeter rim 109. The perimeter rim 109 is disposed at the perimeter 108 of the food side 104 of the panel 102b. The perimeter rim 109 raises a few millimeters above the bottom panel 102b, working to block the viscous components of the food item 300 from spilling past the perimeter 108. The perimeter rim 109 creates a cleaner holding and consumption experience for the user.

(29) In operation, the low-structure food item 300 is placed on a bottom panel 102b. The food item 300 is pressed against spikes 110 in the bottom panel 102b. A top panel 102a presses down on the food item 300 from opposite side of the bottom panel 102b. The spikes 110 of the upper panel 102a penetrate the food item 300 until the terminus of each spikes 110 is proximal, or engages the opposing panel. The low-structure food item 300 can be consumed from the outer region 400 while both panels 102a, 102b are engaged in this sandwich arrangement. Then, the upper panel 102a and/or the bottom panel 102b disengaged to provide access to, and finish consuming the center region 500 of the low-structure food item 300. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the center region 500 of the food item being consumed with the top panel 102a removed.

(30) FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 700 for consuming a low-structure food item 300 with a retention device. The method 700 may include an initial Step 702 of positioning a low-structure food item, preferably positioning the center region of a low-structure food item on a flat and rigid bottom panel of the retention device, the bottom panel is defined by a by a rim, a food side, and an external side, multiple rigid spikes extending from the food side of the bottom panel. The method 700 may further comprise a Step 704 of urging the food item through the spikes of the bottom panel.

(31) A Step 706 includes pressing a flat, rigid top panel opposite to the bottom panel of the device while the food item is being sandwiched between the panels, the top panel defined by a food side, and an external side, multiple rigid spikes extending from the food side of the top panel. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary low-structure food item 300 being positioned between a pair of panels 102a, 102b, with the spikes 100 penetrating the food item 300.

(32) In some embodiments, a Step 708 comprises urging the spikes of the top panel down until proximal or engaged with the bottom panel, wherein the panels have a diameter smaller than the food item, thereby exposing an outer region of the food item outside the panels.

(33) A Step 710 includes consuming the outer region of the food item. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an outer region 400 of the food item 300 being consumed while held between the panels 102a, 102b. The panels 102a, 102b are sized to enable consumption of a substantial amount of the food item 300 while the panels 102a, 102b are engaged.

(34) In some embodiments, a Step 712 may include restricting viscous components of the food item from falling off the edge of the panels with the rim of the bottom panel, wherein the rim of the bottom panel is raised to a predetermined height thereby creating a border around the center region of the food item. A Step 714 comprises disengaging at least one of the panels from the food item. The method 700 may further comprise a Step 716 of consuming a center region of the food item.

(35) Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

(36) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(37) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.