AU753795B2 - A method and apparatus for cooking - Google Patents

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOKING Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooking, and in particular it relates to a multi-purpose portable cooker especially suitable for the preparation of food in the style of the traditional hangi.

Background to the Invention The cooking of food by way of the traditional hangi involves the digging of a pit or hole into the earth, into which heated stones are placed. The food to be cooked is placed in baskets which are put into the pit on top of the stones, usually with the baskets containing meat placed below the baskets containing vegetables to ensure that the meat is well-cooked while the vegetables are not overcooked. The food is often wrapped in moist cloths to generate steam to keep the food moist and to assist in the 15 cooking. In the course of the cooking the heat causes the essence of moist earth, and maybe wood ashes, to permeate the food in the hangi to give it the characteristic flavour of the hangi.

*o While it is desirable to have food cooked in this way, with the associated special flavour, it is not always possible to readily assemble a hangi. The preparation of the pit is laborious and the heating of the stones is a skilled matter requiring an intense fire, and can be dangerous if the wrong stones are selected, and explode. Furthermore, it is difficult to monitor the cooking of the food in the traditional hangi, as the food cannot be readily removed to check the cooking progress.

It is desirable then to be able to emulate the advantages of the hangi-type cooking process without having to resort to using the traditional hangi, so that the flavours of the hangi can be reproduced, while the laborious and dangerous elements of the traditional hangi can be avoided. It is also advantageous to be able to monitor the cooking process more closely to avoid the problem of uncooked or semi-cooked food which sometimes occurs with the traditional hangi.

n543ecs.499 Object It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative method and apparatus for cooking food which addresses some of the above problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Statement of Invention In one aspect the invention provides a set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus comprising at least a first part comprising a housing having a lower portion adapted to receive a heating source and an upper portion including plate means adapted to be heated by said heating source, wherein the plate means is adapted to hold smoke or essence releasing substances, or water and wherein said first part is further provided with a means for ventilation; and a second part comprising a housing capable of containing food to be cooked, the two parts having interengageable connection means such that when the parts are assembled together they engage to unite the parts with the lower portion of the second part engaging the upper portion of the first part to define a cooking chamber above the said plate means and to provide the cooking apparatus.

S: Preferably the set of parts further includes a lid which is adapted to fit into either the lower or upper chambers.

:2 0 Preferably the set of parts further includes at least one container for the food to be cooked. In a most preferred option the container is a mesh basket.

Preferably the first and second-parts are so dimensioned that the second part fits contiguously into Sthe first part with swages provided to regulate the depth of overlap.

Preferably the access for the insertion of the heat source is a cut out portion in the first part, and the heating source is a gas burner. Optionally the heating source is a fire.

Preferably the lower chamber, upper chamber and lid are supplied with handles.

Preferably there are two baskets and a lower basket is provided with legs adapted to rest on the plate means while an upper basket fits on to the lower basket.

The particular construction of the cooking apparatus of this invention, with separate upper and lower chambers which can fit together without the use of screws, bolts or other attachment means confers several advantages over previously known portable cookers. In one aspect it improves the portability of the apparatus, which can be moved as two smaller units rather than one larger, and therefore less easily carried, piece. Furthermore, the ability to remove the upper chamber from the lower chamber enables the cleaning of each separate unit to be more thoroughly and easily achieved.

By plate means is meant a plate or dish-shaped structure constructed from a material which is able to be heated by a heating source to a sufficiently high temperature to .15 enable smoke, steam, essence or flavour releasing substance, when placed on the heated plate to release said smoke, steam, essence or flavour, or to enable food placed directly onto the plate means to be cooked.

The provision of the plate means, which is preferably provided in the upper portion of the first part and intermediate between the heat source and the food to be cooked, enables essence releasing substances, and/or water to be placed on the plate means to flavour and steam the food respectively.

There is also provided the option of using the lower chamber separately from the upper chamber as a wok or frying vessel in its own right. In this instance the food to be cooked can be placed on the plate means, and the lid from the upper chamber can be used as a lid for the lower chamber if required. In an alternative aspect, a lid especially designed to be suitable for stir-fry or frying type cooking may be used. For example, a lid which is effective in deflecting fat may be employed. The food can be fried or stir fried using this method.

n543ecs.499 4 The plate means is preferably formed from mild steel or plate steel, and is shaped so as to hold flavour or essence releasing substances, or water. In a most preferred version the plate means is about 5mm thick.

The cooker of the invention is readily assembled and disassembled, as the component parts are dimensioned to ensure they may fit together merely by sliding one into the other with swages placed to regulate the depth of overlap.

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The progress of the cooking of the food can be easily monitored as the lid can be removed from the upper chamber during the cooking process, and if necessary food or food baskets can be removed. The cooking chamber returns quickly to the cooking temperature when the baskets and lid are replaced.

go S:In another aspect the invention provides a method of cooking food comprising 15 assembling a set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus comprising at least a first part comprising a housing having a lower portion adapted to receive a heating source and an upper portion including plate means adapted to be heated by said heating source, and a second part comprising a housing capable of containing food to be cooked, the two parts having interengageable connection means such that when the 20 parts are assembled together they engage to unite the parts with the lower portion of ooeoe the second part engaging the upper portion of the first part to define a cooking chamber above the said plate means and to provide the cooking apparatus, supporting the uncooked food in the second part, providing the heating source in the first part and heating the plate means so that the food in the second part is subjected to heat.

Preferably the food is held in mesh baskets which are placed into the cooking chamber.

Preferably the plate means has a measured amount of manuka sawdust, or other flavouring or essence releasing material, placed on it.

Optionally the plate means has water on it.

n543ecs.499 Optionally the plate means has no added matter on it.

The quantity of favouring material, or water added onto the plate means may vary, and the optimum amount required is determined by trial and error, and individual taste. In a most preferred option, when manuka sawdust is added, 10 grains of sawdust has been found to give the best flavour if the food is to be cooked in the "hangi" style.

However, if the food is to be smoked, the hot plate is preferably covered with foil, and about 2 cups of a preferred saw dust may be used.

Preferably if meat is to be cooked it is placed in the food baskets in frozen form.

When this is the case the frozen meat portions thaw in the cooking process and the meat juices are collected and heated in the plate means. The steam so generated by this process assists in the cooking of the food.

Preferably the basket containing meat is provided with lugs midway up the side to allow a shelf to be placed on them. The meat is then placed on the shelf.

Preferably, if vegetables are to be cooked they are held in a muslin cloth and placed into a separate basket which is placed on top of any baskets which may contain meat.

Optionally the food has special flavouring substances added to it. These may include herbs and spices traditionally used in conventional cooking methods.

When food is being prepared which is similar to the food of a traditional hangi, such as meats and vegetables, then the flavour of the food is found to be suitably enhanced by placing sawdust, and in particular, manuka sawdust, on the plate means.

Preferably only 5-10 grams of the sawdust are used. It is envisaged as within the scope of the invention howeveir, that any essence releasing substances may be placed on the plate means which will impart a suitable flavour to the food. Other materials could be ashes, or certain soils. If a basket of meat and a basket of vegetables are to be cooked in this style, then under the correct cooking conditions the cooking process should take about 4 to 6 hours.

n543ecs.499 The cooker of the invention may also be used to cook other foods, such as smoked foods, steamed puddings, steamed fish and shell fish, oven bread and roast meats and vegetables. If the food to be cooked requires steaming then the cooker can be used with water placed on the plate means. The food to be cooked is placed within the cooking chamber, and the application of the heat source under the plate vapourises the water to enable the required steaming of the food to take place. If the food is to be smoked then a layer of foil is preferably placed on the hot plate and about 2 cups of sawdust are used.

It is recommended that the plate means be kept clean and smeared with cooking oil.

In yet another aspect the invention provides an alternative method for cooking food comprising providing a heat source for the first part of the set of parts of the invention, placing the food to be cooked directly on to the plate means included in the said first S 15 part, and heating the plate means.

Preferably the food to be cooked is suitable for barbecuing, frying or stir frying.

While it is envisaged that the cooking apparatus may be made of any suitable materials, and formed in any suitable shape and dimensions, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the apparatus is made from stainless steel, and the first and second parts are cylindrical in shape. In a most preferred embodiment the diameter of the first and second parts is about 380mm, the height of the first part is about 200mm and the height of the second part is about 585mm. The baskets holding the food are preferably made of stainless steel mesh, and are about 180mm deep and have a diameter of about 350mm. If the basket is provided with legs the preferred depth for the legs is about 70mm, and three legs are placed equidistant about the lower circumference.

The apparatus may provide for varying sizes and numbers of food baskets. A small version may provide for just one food basket, while a medium size apparatus provides two. It is, however, within the scope of the invention that any number of baskets may be provided.

n543ecs.499 The baskets may held in position in the second part by means of a rod or ledge suitably positioned on the side of the second part. Alternatively, in preferred aspect, the baskets may be formed so that the lower basket has legs on its base which are adapted to rest on to the plate means which is located in the upper portion of the first part of the apparatus, and which space the basket by the required distance from the plate means. The first and any subsequent upper baskets fit into the basket immediately below.

In a preferred embodiment the first part is ventilated by way of about seven vent holes cut into its side, each having a diameter of about 20 A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is an exploded longitudinal cross-section of the cooking apparatus.

FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the first part or lower chamber of the apparatus .with the heating source in place. Details of the swage means of fitting the second part or upper chamber into the lower chamber are included.

.9 ".FIGURE 2A is a cross-section view showing the detail of the formation of the swage about the lower chamber.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a food basket.

FIGURES 4 AND 4A are perspective views of food baskets which have been provided with legs.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in Figure 1, the preferred cooking apparatus comprises three separate components: the lid 1, the upper cooking chamber 2, and the lower chamber 3. The lower chamber is provided with an aperture 4, for inserting a heat source 5, and n543ecs.499 ventilation holes 6. A plate means 7, is provided above the heat source. The plate means is either dished, or has sides to enable it to contain liquid or any solid material which may be used for flavouring or steaming purposes. The plate means is held in place by way of a swage 11, formed in the side of the lower chamber.

The three components of the apparatus are readily assembled by means of swage joints. This self securing joint is shown in detail in Figures 2 and 2A. The dimensions of both the lid and the lower portion of the upper chamber are such that they fit exactly into the upper portion of the lower chamber, when lowered into position. A swage 8, placed at the correct height, rests on the upper perimeter of the lower chamber when the lid or upper chamber are in place. In a similar manner the lid also fits into the upper portion of the upper chamber.

See* be Both sides of the upper and lower chambers are fitted with handles 9, as is the lid. A 15 rod or ledge 10, is positioned in the upper chamber to allow the food basket to be placed in position. In an alternative embodiment however, the rod or ledge may not be S.used, but one of the food baskets may be provided with legs 12, which enable it to stand directly on to the plate means and space the base of the basket the required distance from the plate means. Any further baskets are then formed so as to fit on to the basket immediately below. Figures 4 and 4A show food baskets so formed. The 000000 version in Figure 4 is suitable for containing vegetables, while the basket of Figure 4A is further provided with lugs 13, on which shelf 14 may rest. This is the preferred form of the basket for cooking meat, which is placed on the shelf.

The preferred form of the food basket is shown in Figure 3. However, if the food basket is to be placed on to the hot plate it will be provided with legs as shown in Figure 4, and 4A.

EXAMPLE 1 In a preferred use of the method and apparatus of the invention the food to be cooked is placed in the baskets. The meat is placed on a shelf which fits on to lugs positioned approximately mid-way up the sides of a food basket. In the case of "hangi" type food it is preferred to use frozen meat, as it has been found that in the thawing as the n543ecs.499 food cooks the steam released keeps the food moist and imparts an excellent flavour to it. Flavouring agents may be added to the food as required. In the cooking chamber the meat is placed into a first basket positioned below the basket containing the vegetables.. A predetermined amount of manuka sawdust is placed on the plate means and the apparatus is assembled by positioning the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lid is placed to cover the cooking, or upper chamber. A gas burner is inserted below the lower chamber and lit to provide heat. The progress of the cooking can be monitored by removing the lid and the baskets if necessary. When the cooking is complete the baskets of food are easily removed from the cooking chamber, and the apparatus disassembled for cleaning. The use of foil on the plate means protects it from permanent staining. The cooking process typically takes from 4 to 6 hours.

*eepe EXAMPLE 2 In this embodiment food is cooked by using only the lower chamber of the apparatus 15 of the invention. The heating source is put in place and the required food is placed on the plate means and cooked as desired. The lid of the apparatus may be fitted over S.the plate means if required, or an alternative lid, especially designed for use with the lower chamber when, used in this way, may be employed. Foods may be barbecued, fried or stir fried successfully using this method.

S"EXAMPLE3 In this use of the cooking apparatus and method, a steam pudding is to be prepared.

The pudding mixture is held in a metal bowl and placed into the cooking chamber, preferably inside a mesh basket, and two cups of water are added to the plate means.

The apparatus is assembled and the heat source put in place. The heat source both heats the cooking chamber and vapourises the water on the plate means to release the steam required in the steam cooking process.

EXAMPLE 4 In this use of the cooking apparatus the food contained therein is to be smoked. The food to be smoked is held in one or more baskets, and placed into the cooking or upper chamber. The plate means is covered with foil and about 2 cupfuls of sawdust n543ecs.499 are placed on the foil. A gas burner is inserted into the lower chamber and lit. The smoke generated from the saw dust fills the upper chamber to smoke the food therein.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising" are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will be appreciated that various aspects of the present invention have been discussed by way of example only, and that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Claims (13)

1. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus comprising at least a first part comprising a housing having a lower portion adapted to receive a heating source and s an upper portion including plate means adapted to be heated by said heating source, wherein the plate means is adapted to hold smoke or essence releasing substances, or water and wherein said first part is further provided with a means for ventilation; and a second part comprising a housing capable of containing food to be cooked, the two parts having interengageable connection means such that when the parts are assembled together they engage to unite the parts with the lower portion of the second part engaging the upper portion of the first part to define a cooking chamber above the said plate means and to provide the cooking apparatus.

2. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further including a lid adapted to fit into either the first or the second said parts.

3. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 further including at least one receptacle to contain the food to be cooked. S 20 4. A set of parts as claimed in claim 3 in which the receptacles are mesh baskets. 0 0 o a A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part and the second part are so dimensioned that the second part fits contiguously into the first part with swages provided to regulate oo 25 the depth of overlap.

6. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in any one of the 00o preceding claims, wherein the second part is provided with receiving means to hold in so place receptacles to contain food.

7. A set of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the food to be cooked is placed in one or more mesh baskets and in which the first basket is provided with legs to support it directly on to the plate means and any subsequent ,j 7N baskets are supported by the basket below. 12

8. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating source is a gas burner.

9. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the heating source is a fire. Cooking apparatus when assembled from a set of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

11. A method of cooking food comprising assembling a set of parts as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, supporting the uncooked food in the said cooking chamber, providing a heat source in said first part and heating the plate means so that the food in the cooking chamber is subjected to heat.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein any meat to be cooked is in frozen form.

13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein grains of manuka 20 sawdust are placed on the plate means so that the food is subjected to the smoke and S"•flavouring released therefrom during heating. i 14. A method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein water is contained on the plate means so that the food is subjected to steam released therefrom during heating. A method of cooking food comprising providing a heat source for the said first part of the set of parts as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, placing the food to be cooked directly on to the said hot plate and heating the plate means.

16. A set of parts for providing a cooking apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A cooking apparatus as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of cooking food, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Doug Andrews Heating and Ventilation Limited By Their Authorised Attorneys AHEARN FOX