CA2033643A1 - Ovenable container - Google Patents
Ovenable containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2033643A1 CA2033643A1 CA 2033643 CA2033643A CA2033643A1 CA 2033643 A1 CA2033643 A1 CA 2033643A1 CA 2033643 CA2033643 CA 2033643 CA 2033643 A CA2033643 A CA 2033643A CA 2033643 A1 CA2033643 A1 CA 2033643A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- foodstuffs
- ovenable
- lateral flange
- base portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/343—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated in a conventional oven, e.g. a gas or electric resistance oven
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
OVENABLE CONTAINER
During reheating of pre-cooked, pre-packaged foodstuffs drying out may occur at the edges of the foodstuffs in the package and good presentation of the reheated foodstuffs is difficult to achieve upon removal from the package and transfer to a plate. An ovenable container is provided for foodstuffs and comprises a base portion and an inwardly-directed lateral flange sealed to the base portion or an integral part thereof, at or in the vicinity of the mouth of the container. The lateral flange extends inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liquid from the container during heating of the foodstuffs in the container when inverted over a plate, and is sufficiently flexible after the heating to permit removal of the container from the plate without substantial disturbance of the foodstuffs.
OVENABLE CONTAINER
During reheating of pre-cooked, pre-packaged foodstuffs drying out may occur at the edges of the foodstuffs in the package and good presentation of the reheated foodstuffs is difficult to achieve upon removal from the package and transfer to a plate. An ovenable container is provided for foodstuffs and comprises a base portion and an inwardly-directed lateral flange sealed to the base portion or an integral part thereof, at or in the vicinity of the mouth of the container. The lateral flange extends inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liquid from the container during heating of the foodstuffs in the container when inverted over a plate, and is sufficiently flexible after the heating to permit removal of the container from the plate without substantial disturbance of the foodstuffs.
Description
OVENABLE CONTAINER Z~33643 ~
The present invention relates to an ovenable container for foodstuffs which facilitates the ser~ing of foodstuffs such as frozen or chilled ready meals.
Convenience foods such as pre-cooked ready meals are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the rapid reheating times that are available using microwave or conventional thermal ovens. Such foods are usually sold in pre-packaged form. However, reheating of the foodstuffs tends to result in drying out occurring at the edges of the foodstuffs in the package. Furthermore, good presentation of the reheated foodstuffs is difficult to achieve upon removal ;
from the package and transfer to a plate.
. ~ .
The present invention provides an ovenable container for foodstuffs comprising a base portion and an inwardly-directed lateral flange sealed to the base portion or an integral part thereof, at or in the vicinity of the mouth of the container, wherein the lateral flange extends inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liquid from the container during heating of the foodstuffs in the container when inverted over a plate, the lateral flange being sufficiently flexible after the heating to permit removal of the container from the plate without substantial disturbance of the foodstuffs.
, ., The lateral flange should extend inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liq~lid from the foodstuffs during the heating of the container in its inverted position without extending so far as to trap some of the footstuffs when the container is removed from the plate. The width of the flange will depend on the size of the container and on the type of foodstuffs present in the container. For example, the larger the container the further inwardly the flange may , . ~ .
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The present invention relates to an ovenable container for foodstuffs which facilitates the ser~ing of foodstuffs such as frozen or chilled ready meals.
Convenience foods such as pre-cooked ready meals are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the rapid reheating times that are available using microwave or conventional thermal ovens. Such foods are usually sold in pre-packaged form. However, reheating of the foodstuffs tends to result in drying out occurring at the edges of the foodstuffs in the package. Furthermore, good presentation of the reheated foodstuffs is difficult to achieve upon removal ;
from the package and transfer to a plate.
. ~ .
The present invention provides an ovenable container for foodstuffs comprising a base portion and an inwardly-directed lateral flange sealed to the base portion or an integral part thereof, at or in the vicinity of the mouth of the container, wherein the lateral flange extends inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liquid from the container during heating of the foodstuffs in the container when inverted over a plate, the lateral flange being sufficiently flexible after the heating to permit removal of the container from the plate without substantial disturbance of the foodstuffs.
, ., The lateral flange should extend inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liq~lid from the foodstuffs during the heating of the container in its inverted position without extending so far as to trap some of the footstuffs when the container is removed from the plate. The width of the flange will depend on the size of the container and on the type of foodstuffs present in the container. For example, the larger the container the further inwardly the flange may , . ~ .
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extend. Similarly, a substantially liquid foodstuff may be packed in a container having a large flange whereas a more solid foodstuff would require a smaller Elange. Generally the containers will rang~ from say 10 cm to 30 cm in width with a depth in the region of 3 cm. Preferably, the lateral flange extends inwardly by at least 5 mm, more preferably by 8 to 20 mm. The lateral flan~e may run substantially continuously around the periphery of the container. Alternatively, part of the lateral flange may be interrupted, for example by slits provided that at least about 10 mm of the flange extending inwardly runs substantially continuously around the periphery of the container. Preferably, it is formed by an endless strip of material sealed to the base portion.
The loss of liquid is thought to occur by a combination of vapourisation and seepage. When the foodstuffs are heated, some of the liquid present will be vapourised and will escape by venting out from between the container and the plate.
Additionally, some liquid will escape by seepage from between the container and the plate. Thus, a function of the lateral flange is to provide a barrier between the foodstuffs and the plate so as to inhibit such loss of liquid. The presence of the barrier tends to produce a degree of sealing between the container and tha plate. This may also reduce heat loss from the foodstuffs and, as a consequence, may increase efficiency of heating and reduce the time required for cooking.
Advantageously, the presence of the lateral flange may also impart to the base portion additional rigidity or stability.
. . ~
The container may be of any conventional shape. For example, in horizontal cross-section it could be square, rectangular, elliptical or circular. Preferably the container is substantially circular in horizontal cross-section and preferably has an annular flange around the periphery.
Whatever the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the container. the base portion may comprise a single compartment or it may comprise a plurality of compartments, the purpose of which is to keep separate different types of foodstuffs.
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The loss of liquid is thought to occur by a combination of vapourisation and seepage. When the foodstuffs are heated, some of the liquid present will be vapourised and will escape by venting out from between the container and the plate.
Additionally, some liquid will escape by seepage from between the container and the plate. Thus, a function of the lateral flange is to provide a barrier between the foodstuffs and the plate so as to inhibit such loss of liquid. The presence of the barrier tends to produce a degree of sealing between the container and tha plate. This may also reduce heat loss from the foodstuffs and, as a consequence, may increase efficiency of heating and reduce the time required for cooking.
Advantageously, the presence of the lateral flange may also impart to the base portion additional rigidity or stability.
. . ~
The container may be of any conventional shape. For example, in horizontal cross-section it could be square, rectangular, elliptical or circular. Preferably the container is substantially circular in horizontal cross-section and preferably has an annular flange around the periphery.
Whatever the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the container. the base portion may comprise a single compartment or it may comprise a plurality of compartments, the purpose of which is to keep separate different types of foodstuffs.
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- 3 - ~ ~33 The container should be constructed from a suitable food grade material. The base portion may be flexible or semi~rigid whereas the lateral flange is preferably flexible at room temperature. The choice of matexials depends upon the use to which the container is put. For microwave cooking, metallic materials should not be used. A temperature resistance of 130C is preferred for microwave cooking whereas temperature resistance of 210C is preferred for thermal oven cooking. Preferably, the base portion is made of a plastics material such as a polyester or polycarbonate. The method of forming the base portion is chosen according to the material from which it is made. For example, where polycarbonate is used the base portion may be thermoformed.
The lateral flange may also be made of a plastics material, preferably a polyester.
. , .
Once foodstuffs have been placed in the container, the container may be overwrapped. Among the types of overwrapping which may be used are conventional plastics wrapping or cartoning. Preferably a removable lid is used, more preferably a peelable lid sealed to the flange so as to form a peelable seal. Because the overwrapping or lid is removed prior to cooking, there is no need for this to be constructed from an ovenable material. However, it is preferable for the container and, where applicable, the lid, to be stable to, for example, -30C for frozen food applications and to 0C for chilled foods. The lid is preferably made from a polyester.
j~ .
In the case of microwave heating the plate is preferably a serving plate from which the meal is to be eaten. In the case of thermal oven heating the plate may be a heat-resistant serving plate or an oven baking tray or sheet from which the food would have to be transferred to a serving plate before eating.
.
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, ., , 2033~3 Means for holding the container may also be present on the base portion for the purpose of aiding lifting of the container from the plate after cooking. For examplé, the base portion may have holding tabs and these tabs may extend laterally ~rom the base portion.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example only! with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one embodiment of the base portion of the container;
Figure 2 is a plan view of an annular ring which is sealable to the base portion shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a plan view o~ a lid for use with the annular ring of Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows a vertical sectional view of a schematic representation of this embodiment of the assembled container in which foodstuffs are placed; and Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the container lifted from the foodstuffs after cooking.
The drawings relate to embodiments of the container having a circular cross-section. The container is manufactured by forming base portion 1 to a thickness of at least 12 microns from a polyester (Melinex-ICI) by drawing the material into a suitably-sized pocket. This i5 then filIed with the foodstuffs. The diameter of base portion 1 at the periphery of rim 7 is the same as that of annular ring 2, typically 190 mm. The annular ring 2 is made from a polyester (Mylar 100 XM963 - Du Pont) and forms a 20mm wide strip. This is weld sealed to the rim 7, which is typically 10 mm wide so as to form an inwardly-directed lateral flange of 10 mm. The depth of the container is 30 mm. Lid 3 is also made from a polyester (Mylar 100 OL - Du Pont). This is sealed to the upper surface of annular ring 2 and is shown in Figure 3 with a tab portion 8. In the further embodiment illustrated in .: . .
. .:~
~ * Trade-mark ,;
;,'t .. .. .
'' ' " ' ' ' . ' ' :': '. , .
,'~ : : ' , ` :, , ':' ~, :,~ ' . ' , . ' ` - 5 - Z033~3 Figure 5, the base portion 1 has holding taps lo extending laterally therefrom. The finished product may be ~rozen or chilled as is appropriate.
For the purpose of microwave heating, the lid is peeled off and the ready meal placed on a serving plate 6. Where the ready meal is frozen, simple inversion of the container onto the plate 6 is sufficient. However, where the ready meal is chilled, the plate 6 should preferably be placed upside-down over the mouth of the container and then the container and plate inverted together to prevent spillage of the foodstuffs 5. During heating of the filled container in a microwave oven, inwardly-directed lateral flange g inhibits loss of liquid from the container by acting as a barrier between the plate 6 and the foodstuffs 5. Once heating has finished, the container 1 is simply lifted from the plate 6 preferably by the holding tabs. Because the lateral flange 9 is flexible, the foodstuffs remain on the plate 6 virtually undisturbed thereby improving their presentation. Similarly, the container may bes heated in a conventional thermal oven instead of a microwavè oven.
.
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The lateral flange may also be made of a plastics material, preferably a polyester.
. , .
Once foodstuffs have been placed in the container, the container may be overwrapped. Among the types of overwrapping which may be used are conventional plastics wrapping or cartoning. Preferably a removable lid is used, more preferably a peelable lid sealed to the flange so as to form a peelable seal. Because the overwrapping or lid is removed prior to cooking, there is no need for this to be constructed from an ovenable material. However, it is preferable for the container and, where applicable, the lid, to be stable to, for example, -30C for frozen food applications and to 0C for chilled foods. The lid is preferably made from a polyester.
j~ .
In the case of microwave heating the plate is preferably a serving plate from which the meal is to be eaten. In the case of thermal oven heating the plate may be a heat-resistant serving plate or an oven baking tray or sheet from which the food would have to be transferred to a serving plate before eating.
.
.. . . .
,:.. , . - :
, ., , 2033~3 Means for holding the container may also be present on the base portion for the purpose of aiding lifting of the container from the plate after cooking. For examplé, the base portion may have holding tabs and these tabs may extend laterally ~rom the base portion.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example only! with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one embodiment of the base portion of the container;
Figure 2 is a plan view of an annular ring which is sealable to the base portion shown in Figure l;
Figure 3 is a plan view o~ a lid for use with the annular ring of Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows a vertical sectional view of a schematic representation of this embodiment of the assembled container in which foodstuffs are placed; and Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the container lifted from the foodstuffs after cooking.
The drawings relate to embodiments of the container having a circular cross-section. The container is manufactured by forming base portion 1 to a thickness of at least 12 microns from a polyester (Melinex-ICI) by drawing the material into a suitably-sized pocket. This i5 then filIed with the foodstuffs. The diameter of base portion 1 at the periphery of rim 7 is the same as that of annular ring 2, typically 190 mm. The annular ring 2 is made from a polyester (Mylar 100 XM963 - Du Pont) and forms a 20mm wide strip. This is weld sealed to the rim 7, which is typically 10 mm wide so as to form an inwardly-directed lateral flange of 10 mm. The depth of the container is 30 mm. Lid 3 is also made from a polyester (Mylar 100 OL - Du Pont). This is sealed to the upper surface of annular ring 2 and is shown in Figure 3 with a tab portion 8. In the further embodiment illustrated in .: . .
. .:~
~ * Trade-mark ,;
;,'t .. .. .
'' ' " ' ' ' . ' ' :': '. , .
,'~ : : ' , ` :, , ':' ~, :,~ ' . ' , . ' ` - 5 - Z033~3 Figure 5, the base portion 1 has holding taps lo extending laterally therefrom. The finished product may be ~rozen or chilled as is appropriate.
For the purpose of microwave heating, the lid is peeled off and the ready meal placed on a serving plate 6. Where the ready meal is frozen, simple inversion of the container onto the plate 6 is sufficient. However, where the ready meal is chilled, the plate 6 should preferably be placed upside-down over the mouth of the container and then the container and plate inverted together to prevent spillage of the foodstuffs 5. During heating of the filled container in a microwave oven, inwardly-directed lateral flange g inhibits loss of liquid from the container by acting as a barrier between the plate 6 and the foodstuffs 5. Once heating has finished, the container 1 is simply lifted from the plate 6 preferably by the holding tabs. Because the lateral flange 9 is flexible, the foodstuffs remain on the plate 6 virtually undisturbed thereby improving their presentation. Similarly, the container may bes heated in a conventional thermal oven instead of a microwavè oven.
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Claims (13)
1. An ovenable container for foodstuffs comprising a base portion and an inwardly-directed lateral flange sealed to the base portion or an integral part thereof, at or in the vicinity of the mouth of the container, wherein the lateral flange extends inwardly by an amount sufficient to inhibit loss of liquid from the container during heating of the foodstuffs in the container when inverted over a plate, the lateral flange being sufficiently flexible after the heating to permit removal of the container from the plate without substantial disturbance of the foodstuffs.
2. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral flange extends inwardly by at least 5 mm.
3. An ovenable container as claim in claim 2, wherein the lateral flange extends inwardly by 8 to 20 mm.
4. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the lateral flange forms a substantially continuous strip around the mouth of the container.
5. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lateral flange is made of a plastics material.
6. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 5 wherein the plastics material of the lateral flange is a polyester.
7. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 6 wherein the lateral flange is formed by an endless strip of material sealed to the base portion.
8. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6, wherein the container is substantially circular in horizontal cross-section.
9. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion is made of a plastics material.
10. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plastics material of the base portion is a polyester or polycarbonate.
11. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises a removable lid.
12. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lid is a peelable lid which is sealed to the flange.
13. An ovenable container as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 10 or 11 wherein the base portion has holding tabs for facilitating removal of the container from the plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB909000416A GB9000416D0 (en) | 1990-01-09 | 1990-01-09 | Ovenable container |
| GB9000416.9 | 1990-01-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2033643A1 true CA2033643A1 (en) | 1991-07-10 |
Family
ID=10668992
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2033643 Abandoned CA2033643A1 (en) | 1990-01-09 | 1991-01-08 | Ovenable container |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0437082A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2033643A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9000416D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19748307C1 (en) | 1997-10-31 | 1998-12-17 | Hofmann Menue Holding Gmbh | Complete meal package |
| US7083818B2 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2006-08-01 | Apio, Inc. | Party tray |
| PT1874655E (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2015-11-24 | Torus Pak Res And Dev S À R L | Food package and method for transfer of food |
| US7748561B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2010-07-06 | Taylor Fresh Vegetables, Inc. | Atmosphere controlled packaging for fresh foodstuffs |
| US7748560B2 (en) | 2006-07-11 | 2010-07-06 | Taylor Fresh Vegetables, Inc. | Atmosphere controlled packaging for fresh foodstuffs |
| US10384854B2 (en) | 2017-06-28 | 2019-08-20 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Packaging sheet for elevated-temperature use |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2607114B3 (en) * | 1986-11-24 | 1989-05-19 | Glinel Michel | CONTAINER FOR PRESENTING MEALS |
| AU606168B2 (en) * | 1987-05-20 | 1991-01-31 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd. | Easily openable sealed container |
-
1990
- 1990-01-09 GB GB909000416A patent/GB9000416D0/en active Pending
- 1990-12-21 EP EP90314119A patent/EP0437082A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1991
- 1991-01-08 CA CA 2033643 patent/CA2033643A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0437082A1 (en) | 1991-07-17 |
| GB9000416D0 (en) | 1990-03-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |