CN217457164U

CN217457164U - Steaming container for precooking frozen food

Info

Publication number: CN217457164U
Application number: CN202220502204.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 袁文林; 郑建忠; 马琴
Original assignee: General Mills Inc
Current assignee: General Mills Inc
Priority date: 2022-03-08
Filing date: 2022-03-08
Publication date: 2022-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-08

Abstract

The present application relates to a steaming container for precooking frozen food. A food packaging container for steaming pre-cooked frozen food is disclosed, which comprises an outer container, an inner container and a cover. The lid is configured to cover the outer container. The inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the bottom portions of the inner and outer containers are spaced apart and an air vent is formed between the inner and outer containers.

Description

Steaming container for precooking frozen food

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a frozen food and a heating method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to containers for heating precooked frozen foods.

Background

Precooked frozen foods sold as ready-to-eat (ready to be) food products are very popular among consumers. The heating method includes microwave heating and oven heating. Since the meal is cooked, the consumer only needs to heat the meal to the desired temperature for consumption. It is desirable that the heating method have minimal impact on the flavor and mouthfeel of the food product, in addition to changing the temperature.

For foods such as frozen cooked dumplings, heating them directly in a microwave oven or oven dries the dumpling wrappers, resulting in dumpling wrappers with an undesirable dry and chewy/rubbery mouthfeel. Additionally or alternatively, the dumpling wrappers may be scorched, which also results in dumpling wrappers having an undesirable mouth feel. For foods such as noodles, rice or other cooked meals, heating them directly in an oven or microwave tends to evaporate the water from the meal and produce a dry, undesirable mouthfeel of the food.

There is a need for a method of heating frozen food products without altering the original taste and producing the desired mouthfeel.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Mode 1 of the present application relates to a food packaging container for steaming a precooked frozen food contained therein, the container comprising: an outer container having an outsole and an outer sidewall extending upwardly from the outsole to define a first interior space, the outer sidewall including a fillet having a first radius, a first ridge extending outwardly from the outer sidewall and substantially parallel to the outsole, and a first lip extending outwardly from the first ridge and substantially parallel to the outsole; an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom; and a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container; wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart; and further wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that a vent is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner.

Mode 2 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first ridge portion.

Mode 3 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the vent is at least 10mm ² 。

Mode 4 of the present application is directed to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein a portion of the second lip is curved with respect to the first ridge portion such that a second vent is formed between the second lip and the first ridge portion at a non-angular position.

Mode 5 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the first internal space is in fluid communication with the second internal space when the inner container is placed inside the outer container and the lid covers the outer container.

Mode 6 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the lid is heat-sealed to the first lip of the outer container.

Mode 7 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the lid is made of aluminum.

Mode 8 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the inner container and the outer container are made of aluminum.

Mode 9 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 1, wherein the inner container and the outer container are made of heat-resistant plastic.

Mode 10 of the present application relates to a food packaging container for steaming a precooked frozen food contained therein, the container comprising: an outer container having an outsole and an outer sidewall extending upwardly from the outsole to define a first interior space, the outer sidewall including a fillet having a first radius, a first ridge extending outwardly from the outer sidewall and substantially parallel to the outsole, and a first lip extending outwardly from the first ridge and substantially parallel to the outsole; an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom; a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container; one or more frozen food products placed within the inner container; and ice placed within the outer container; wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart; and further wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that a vent is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner.

Mode 11 of the present application relates to the packaging container according to mode 10, wherein the frozen food product includes one or more frozen dumplings.

Mode 12 of the present application relates to a food packaging container for steaming a precooked frozen food contained therein, the container comprising: an outer container having an outsole and an outer sidewall extending upwardly from the outsole to define a first interior space, the outer sidewall including a fillet having a first radius, a first ridge extending outwardly from the outer sidewall and substantially parallel to the outsole, and a first lip extending outwardly from the first ridge and substantially parallel to the outsole; an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom; and a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container; wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart; wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that an exhaust port is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner; wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first ridge; and further wherein the first interior space is in fluid communication with the second interior space when the inner container is placed within the outer container and the lid covers the outer container.

Mode 13 of the present application relates to a food packaging container for steaming a precooked frozen food contained therein, the container comprising: an outer container having an outsole and an outer sidewall extending upwardly from the outsole to define a first interior space, the outer sidewall including a fillet having a first radius, a first ridge extending outwardly from the outer sidewall and substantially parallel to the outsole, and a first lip extending outwardly from the first ridge and substantially parallel to the outsole; an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom; a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container; one or more frozen food products placed within the inner container and comprising one or more frozen dumplings; and ice placed within the outer container; wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart; wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that an exhaust port is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner; wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first ridge; wherein the first interior space is in fluid communication with the second interior space when the inner container is placed within the outer container and the lid covers the outer container; and further wherein the lid is heat sealed to the first lip of the outer container.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a food packaging container comprising an inner container nested within an outer container, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is an exploded view of various components of a food packaging container according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a food packaging container according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a food packaging container including an inner container nested within an outer container, according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2B is an exploded view of various components of a food packaging container according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. However, the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description

Frozen meals that are already cooked are popular foods because they are convenient and can be consumed simply by heating to the desired temperature. A food packaging container for steaming filled food is described. In some embodiments, the food packaging achieves better and more consistent results in terms of food flavor and mouthfeel when the user or consumer heats or warms the cooked food. For example, food packaging containers allow food to be heated or warmed without affecting flavor and while producing a desirable food mouthfeel. The food packaging container also simplifies the heating process without the need for additional water to be added by the end user or consumer. The container may be heated in a variety of ways (e.g., by using an oven, toaster, microwave oven, etc.).

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a food packaging container 100 according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. As shown, the food packaging container 100 includes an inner container 102, an outer container 104, and a lid 103 (not shown in fig. 1A). As shown in fig. 1A. The inner container 102 is configured to be placed within the outer container 104 and the lid 103 may be placed on top of the outer container 104 to form a closed food packaging container. The inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are separate containers, and the inner container 102 is removable from the outer container 104. The inner and

outer containers

102, 104 each have substantially the same cross-sectional shape but different sizes. In fig. 1A, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 each have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape taken along a plane perpendicular to the bottom of the

containers

102 and 104. In some embodiments, the inner and

outer containers

102, 104 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, provided that the inner and outer containers have substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of a food packaging container 100 according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. The outer container 104 has an outsole 105, an outer sidewall 106, and a first interior space 108. Lateral side wall 106 is connected to outsole 105 and extends upwardly from outsole 105 to define a first interior space 108. The outer vessel 104 can be formed using any suitable manufacturing method. For example, outsole 105 and outer sidewall 106 can be separate pieces that are physically connected to form outer container 104. In another example, the outer container 104 can be stamped such that the outsole 105 and the outer sidewall 106 are formed from a single piece of material.

The outer container 104 of fig. 1A and 1B has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape when taken along a plane parallel to the outsole 105. However, the outer container 104 can have any suitable shape such that it defines the first interior space 108. For example, the outer container 104 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape with an outsole and three outer sidewalls 106; or may have an octagonal cross-sectional shape with an outsole and eight outer sidewalls 106.

In some embodiments, outer sidewall 106 may be formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, outer sidewall 106 may be formed from multiple pieces of material that are physically connected.

In some embodiments, outer sidewall 106 includes an outer corner 110 having a first radius 112. In some embodiments, for example as shown, the outer corner 110 is rounded and forms a portion of a circle 113 having a radius 112. Radius 112 is measured as the distance from the center of circle 113 to any point on circle 113. The first radius 112 may be adjusted through an arc formed by the outer corner 110. In some embodiments, the outer corners 110 may be more curved to form a smaller radius 112. In some embodiments, the outer corners 110 may be less curved to form the larger radii 112.

In some embodiments, lateral side wall 106 includes a first ridge 114 that extends outward from lateral side wall 106 and is substantially parallel to outsole 105. The first ridge 114 may extend along the entire inner perimeter of the outer vessel 104. The first ridge 114 has a uniform width and forms a substantially flat surface parallel to the bottom. The first ridge 114 is configured to support a lip 128 of the inner container 102. In some embodiments, the first ridge 114 has the same width as the lip 128, such that when the lip 128 is placed on the first ridge 114, the outer edge of the lip 128 contacts the substantially vertical portion 115 of the outer sidewall 106 and prevents the inner container 102 from sliding within the outer container 104 during transport.

In some embodiments, lateral side wall 106 includes a first lip 116 that extends outward from first ridge 114 and is substantially parallel to outsole 105. As shown, first lip 116 is connected to first ridge 114 and outer sidewall 106 by substantially vertical portion 115 of outer sidewall 106. The first lip 116 is configured for a user or consumer to hold the outer container 104. In some embodiments, as shown, first lip 116 extends around the entire outer sidewall 106. In some embodiments, first lip 116 may be a plurality of separate pieces connected to different sides of outer sidewall 106. In some embodiments, first lip 116 may comprise two pieces, each piece connected to a shorter edge of outer sidewall 106 for supporting container 104 during transport.

The inner container 102 has an insole 118 and inner sidewalls 120 extending upwardly from the insole 118 to define a second interior space 122. As shown, the inner container 102 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape when taken along a plane parallel to the bottom of the

containers

102, 104, the inner container 102 having an inner bottom 118 and four inner side walls 120. However, the inner container 102 may have any suitable shape such that it defines the second interior space 122. For example, the inner container 102 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape with an inner bottom and three inner side walls 120; or may have an octagonal cross-sectional shape with an insole and eight interior sidewalls 120.

As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the inner container 102 taken along a plane parallel to the bottom of the

containers

102, 104 is substantially similar to the outer container 104. However, the inner container 102 may have any shape or size, provided it can fit and nest within the outer container 104.

In some embodiments, the outer edge of the second lip 128 is flush with where the first ridge 114 contacts the first lip 116 when the inner container 102 is placed within the outer container 104. The lip 128 has a flat surface that is parallel to the surface of the first ridge 114, and both the lip and the first ridge are substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the

container

102, 104. When the inner container 102 is placed within the outer container 104, the cross-section of the inner container 102 may be sized as desired, provided that the second lip 128 rests on the first ridge 114.

The inner container 102 may be formed using any suitable manufacturing method. For example, the insole 118 and the inner sidewall 120 may be separate pieces that are physically connected to form the inner container 102. In another example, the inner container 102 may be stamped such that the insole 118 and the inner sidewall 120 are formed from a single piece of material.

In some embodiments, the inner sidewall 120 includes an inner corner 124 having a second radius 126. In some embodiments, for example as shown, the interior angle 124 is rounded and forms a portion of a circle 127 having a second radius 126. Second radius 126 is measured as the distance from the center of circle 127 to any point on circle 127. The second radius 126 may be adjusted by the arc formed by the interior angle 124. In some embodiments, the inner corner 124 may be more curved to form a smaller second radius 126. In some embodiments, the inner corners 124 may be less curved to form a larger second radius 126.

In some embodiments, the inner container 102 includes a second lip 128 that extends outwardly from the inner sidewall 120 and is substantially parallel to the inner bottom 118. The lip 128 may have the same width as the first ridge 114 and may overlap the first ridge 114 when placed on the first ridge 114. In some embodiments, the lip 128 may be wider than the ridge 114 to better stabilize the inner container 102. The lip 128 and ridge 114 are configured such that when the lip 128 rests on the ridge 114, the inner container 102 is stable and does not move around or slide back and forth once nested within the outer container.

As shown in fig. 1A, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are configured such that the second lip 128 contacts or rests on the first ridge 114 when the inner container 102 is placed within the outer container 104. In some embodiments, the second lip 128 is substantially parallel to the first ridge 114. As shown, the lip 128 overlaps the first ridge 114 at substantially straight portions on the sides of the

containers

102, 104 to stabilize the inner container 102, but does not overlap at the

corners

110, 124. The overlap between the lip 128 and the first ridge 114 helps stabilize the inner container 102 so that the food package 100 can withstand impacts and movement during shipping.

In some embodiments, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are configured such that when the inner container 102 is placed on the first ridge 114 within the outer container 104, the outer surface of the insole 118 and the inner surface of the outsole 105 are spaced apart and a space is created between the insole and the outsole 105.

In some embodiments, the second radius 126 is greater than the first radius 112 such that an exhaust port 130 is formed between the outer periphery of the second lip 128 and the inner periphery of the first ridge 114 at the

corners

110, 124. The vent 130 forms a fluid passageway between the walls of the inner container 102 and the outer container 104. The exhaust port 130 extends from the space between the bottom of the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 to the top of the outer container 104. As shown, the degree of curvature of the inner sidewall 120 at the inner corner 124 is less than the degree of curvature of the outer sidewall 106 at the outer corner 110, and the difference in curvature (i.e., the difference between the first radius 112 and the second radius 126) results in the

sidewalls

106, 120 being spaced apart at the

corners

110, 124, forming the exhaust port 130. The size of the vent 130 may be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the

corners

110, 124 of the

containers

104, 102. For example, the more curved the interior corner 124, the smaller the vent 130 when the exterior corner 110 is held constant, and the more curved the exterior corner 110, the larger the vent 130 when the interior corner 124 is held constant. The difference between the first radius 112 and the second radius 126 affects the size of the exhaust port 130. When the first radius 112 is equal to the second radius 126, the second lip 128 overlaps the first ridge 114 and no fluid passage is formed between the

containers

102 and 104. Thus, no exhaust ports 130 are formed at such corners.

Although both the inner and

outer containers

102, 104 are shown as having rounded corners, the

sidewalls

106, 120 may be connected in other ways provided that the vent 130 is formed. For example, in some embodiments, the outer corners 110 may not be rounded or curved, but instead form angles (e.g., a right angle when the outer container 104 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, an acute angle when the outer container 104 has a triangular cross-sectional shape, or an obtuse angle when the outer container 104 has an octagonal cross-sectional shape taken along a plane parallel to the outsole 105). In some embodiments, the interior corners 124 may not be curved, but instead are connected by another substantially straight section.

In some embodiments, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the inner vessel 102 and the outer vessel 104 are made of a heat resistant plastic. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, any suitable material may be used for the inner and

outer containers

102, 104, provided that such material is suitable for heating in, for example, an oven, toaster, or microwave oven. In some embodiments, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are made of different, but both microwaveable, materials. In some embodiments, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are made of different materials, but both are suitable for heating in an oven.

As shown in fig. 1B, the food packaging container 100 may further include a lid 103. The cover 103 has a rounded corner 136 with a third radius 138. In an embodiment, the third radius 138 is the same as the first radius 112 in that the lid 103 is configured to contact the first lip 116 and cover the sub-outer container 104. In some embodiments, the lid 103 can be heat sealed to the first lip 116 of the outer container 104 during assembly. In some embodiments, the lid 103 can simply cover the outer container 104 with a tight fit such that vapor can escape from the edge of the container 100 where the lid 103 contacts the outer container 104.

In some embodiments, the lid 103 may optionally include a vent 140 such that excess vapor may escape from the vent 140 when the food packaging container is heated. In some embodiments, the vent 140 may be a specially designed piece made of a material that will rupture when the pressure within the

container

102, 104 is sufficiently great. FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary position of the vent 140 on the cover 103. The vent 140 may be located anywhere on the top of the lid 103.

In certain embodiments, the lid 103 may be made of aluminum. In certain embodiments, the lid 103 may be made of a heat resistant plastic. When the inner container 102, the cover 103 and the outer container 104 are made of aluminum, the food packaging container may be heated in an oven or toaster. When the inner container 102, the cover 103 and the outer container 104 are made of heat-resistant plastic, the food packaging container may be heated in an oven, a toaster or a microwave oven. As noted above, the container 100 may be heated in any manner conventionally used for heating or cooking food products, and thus may be made of any material suitable for heating in various ways.

Fig. 1C is a sectional view of the food packing container 100 taken along line C-C of fig. 1A, and illustrates a steaming function of the food packing container 100.

As shown, the food packaging container 100 includes an inner container 102, a lid 103, and an outer container 104, as described above.

In some embodiments, the inner container 102 contains food 132 and the outer container contains ice 134. In some embodiments, the food 132 may be one or more frozen dumplings. In some embodiments, the food 132 may be cooked rice or noodles. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the food 132 may be any cooked food that may be frozen after cooking for placement in the inner container 102.

In an embodiment, when the inner container 102 is placed within the outer container 104 and the lid 103 covers the outer container 104, the first internal space 108 is in fluid communication with the second internal space 122 through the vent 130. When the food packaging container 100 is heated, the ice 134 melts to form steam or water vapor. Vapor formed at the bottom of the outer container 104 enters the inner container 102 through the vent 130, as indicated by arrow 142. During the heating process, the water vapor in the inner container 102 may then flow back into the outer container 104, thereby forming a fluid path that circulates inside the

containers

102, 104 through the vent.

Because the lip 128 overlaps the ridge 114, most of the vapor will circulate through the vents 130 at the corners during heating. No or little vapor will escape from the side of the container where the lip 128 overlaps the ridge 114 and the wall is substantially flat or straight. Thus, the amount of vapor circulating in the vessel at a given time can be controlled by the number and size of the vents. Since the lid 103 does not contact the lip 128 of the inner container 102, a fluid pathway may be formed to allow vapor or water vapor to enter the inner container 102 from the bottom of the outer container 104 between the

side walls

106, 120 through the vent 130. In this way, the food packaging container 100 warms the food 132 and provides moisture to the surface of the food 132.

The amount of ice and the number and size of vents may vary based on the amount of frozen food that the inner container 102 contains. In some embodiments, the food packaging container 100 includes one or more frozen foods disposed within the inner container 102. The one or more frozen food products may comprise one or more frozen dumplings. In some embodiments, the food packaging container 100 includes ice placed within the outer container 104. In some embodiments, the inner container 102 can hold nine frozen dumplings and the outer container 104 comprises 20 grams of ice at the bottom. In some embodiments, the inner container 102 may contain frozen food products made from rice or flour (e.g., ravioli, wonton, steamed stuffed bun, noodles, etc.), while the outer container 104 contains ice. In some embodiments, the amount of ice contained in the outer container 104 may be adjusted based on the amount of frozen food in the inner container 102. In some embodiments, the ratio of the amount of ice contained in the outer container 104 to the amount of frozen food contained in the inner container 102 is similar to the ratio of frozen dumplings to ice. In some embodiments, the amount of ice initially contained in the outer container 104 is adjusted so that after heating, water remains at the bottom of the outer container 104 to keep the food product moist. In some embodiments, the amount of water left in the bottom is minimal to avoid waste and to facilitate transfer after heating the food product.

The size of the vent 130 may be adjusted by adjusting the first and second radii at the corners of the

vessels

102, 104 to allow more or less vapor to circulate during heating. The size of the vent 130 is configured so that there is enough vaporization for heating the food, but not too much vapor when there is not enough water (liquid or chilled water) for supplying vapor during heating.

The vents 130 formed at the corners are beneficial for several reasons. For example, conventional steaming containers typically have vents at the bottom of the inner container, wherein the bottom of the food tends to cover such vents during heating, thereby preventing steam from circulating within the container. Furthermore, for materials such as aluminum, perforating the bottom of the inner container may pose a food safety issue if small pieces of aluminum cannot be detected during manufacture. Preforms having inner and outer containers as in the present invention would avoid these problems.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1A, there may be four vents 130 formed at the four corners of the

containers

102, 104. In some embodiments, there may be three, or five, six, seven, eight vents formed at the corners of the

containers

102, 104, depending on the shape of the containers. In some embodiments, the radius of some of the interior corners 124 may be adjusted to be the same as the exterior corners 110, such that the lip 128 overlaps the ridge 114 at those particular corners and results in fewer vents (i.e., one, two, or three vents, depending on the amount of food during heating and the amount of steam required) than shown in fig. 1A.

The number of vents 130 is adjusted so that not too much steam is circulated during heating creating a safety issue, but enough steam should be present during heating to keep the surface of the food product wet before it dries out. In some embodiments, the vent 130 is at least 10mm ² 。

In some embodiments, the food packaging container 100, including the frozen food in the inner container 102 and the ice in the outer container 104, may be heated for 10 to 15 minutes to bring the frozen food to a temperature required for consumption. Depending on the quantity of food, the quantity of ice and the number and/or size of the vents should be adjusted so that not only is sufficient steam circulated within the container throughout the heating process to keep the food moist, but not so much steam that the outer container 104 explodes.

As described above, the inner container 102 and the outer container 104 are separate containers, and the inner container 102 is removable from the outer container 104. Once the food item 132 is sufficiently heated, in some embodiments, when the food item 132 is served (served), the inner container 102 can be removed from the outer container 104 so that there is no water in the served container. In some embodiments, when little water remains in the outer container after heating, the food 132 can serve in both

containers

102, 104 when sufficiently heated.

Because the food item 132 is separated from the ice 134 at the bottom of the outer container 104, the melted ice (i.e., water) does not dilute the flavor of the food item 132 during heating. In addition, the removable structure of the inner and outer containers provides convenience and flexibility for the option of preparing and serving food.

In an embodiment, the food packaging container 100 may be used on board an aircraft, where meals are prepared in advance and provided to the airline in a frozen state. The container 100 can then be heated along with the food 132 and ice 134 and served to the customer with the outer container 104 removed. In an embodiment, the amount of ice 134 is controlled such that little moisture is left at the bottom of the container 104 after heating, and two containers may be used when serving food to a customer.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the food packaging container 200; fig. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a food packaging container 200 according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. As shown in fig. 2B, the food packaging container 200 includes an inner container 202, a lid 103, and an outer container 104. The lid 103 and outer container 104 are similar to those shown in figures 1A-1B.

The inner container 202 has an insole 218 and an inner sidewall 220, the inner sidewall 220 extending upwardly from the insole 218 to define a second interior space 222. In an embodiment, the medial side wall 220 includes an interior corner 224 having a second radius 226 and a second lip 228 extending outwardly from the medial side wall 220 and substantially parallel to the insole 218.

As shown in fig. 2A, the inner container 202 is configured such that when the inner container 202 is placed within the outer container 104, the second lip 228 contacts the first ridge 114 and the inner bottom 218 and the outer bottom 105 are spaced apart. In an embodiment, a portion of the second lip 228 is substantially parallel to the first ridge 114. In an embodiment, a portion of the second lip 228 is curved relative to the first ridge 114 such that an additional side exhaust opening 244 may be formed at a location 242 between the second lip 228 and the first ridge 114. In some embodiments, position 242 may be a non-angular position.

The side vents 244 form a fluid passageway between the walls of the inner container 202 and the outer container 104. The side exhaust 244 extends from the space between the bottom of the inner container 202 and the outer container 104 to the top of the outer container 104. More than one side vent 244 may be formed depending on the amount of food product. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2A, two side vents 244 may be formed. In some embodiments, more than two side vents 244 may be formed on the additional sides of the

containers

202, 104. The number of the side exhaust ports 244 formed on one side may also be adjusted. However, it is still desirable that the second lip 228 have sufficient portion to contact the ridge 114 so that the inner container 202 is safe and stable when placed within the outer container 104. Inner container 202 is configured such that when food packaging container 200 is shipped, inner container 202 is stable within outer container 104 and does not shift or move during manufacturing or serving.

The addition of one or more side vents 244 may also help regulate the amount of vapor that is expected to circulate around the vessel 200 during heating. It should be understood that the side vent 244 may be located along any edge of the inner container 202 other than that shown in fig. 2A-2B. In an embodiment, the number of side vents 244 may also be adjusted during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the side vent 244 is at least 10mm ² 。

As shown, the inner container 202 of fig. 2A-2B has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape taken along a plane parallel to the bottom of the

containers

202, 104, except for the location 242 designed to form the side vent 244. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape of the inner container 202 taken along a plane parallel to the bottom of the

containers

202, 104 is substantially similar to the outer container 104, except at location 242.

During packaging of the

container

100, 200, a selected meal may be cooked and added to the inner container. A measured amount of water is added to the outer container prior to stacking the inner container onto the outer container. The lid may then be sealed or simply covered over the outer container before the

container

100, 200 is frozen and ready for shipping.

During heating of the

container

100, 200, the consumer may select any heating method specified on the package. Once heated, the food may be served with a separate inner container or with both inner and outer containers.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. For example, it is contemplated that features described in connection with one embodiment may optionally be implemented in addition to or in place of features described in connection with another embodiment. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A food packaging container for steaming a pre-cooked frozen food contained therein, said container comprising:

an outer container having an outsole and an outer sidewall extending upwardly from the outsole to define a first interior space, the outer sidewall including a fillet having a first radius, a first ridge extending outwardly from the outer sidewall and substantially parallel to the outsole, and a first lip extending outwardly from the first ridge and substantially parallel to the outsole;

an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom; and

a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container;

wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart; and is

Further wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that a vent is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner.

2. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first spine.

3. The packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the vent is at least 10mm ² 。

4. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein a portion of the second lip is curved relative to the first ridge such that a second vent is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at a non-angular position.

5. The packaging container of claim 1, wherein the first interior space is in fluid communication with the second interior space when the inner container is placed within the outer container and the lid covers the outer container.

6. The packaging container of claim 1 wherein the lid is heat sealed to the first lip of the outer container.

7. A food packaging container for steaming a pre-cooked frozen food contained therein, said container comprising:

an inner container having an inner bottom and an inner sidewall extending upwardly from the inner bottom to define a second interior space, the inner sidewall including a second rounded corner having a second radius and a second lip extending outwardly from the inner sidewall and substantially parallel to the inner bottom;

a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container;

one or more frozen food products placed within the inner container; and

ice placed within the outer container;

8. The packaging container of claim 7, wherein the frozen food product comprises one or more frozen dumplings.

9. A food packaging container for steaming a pre-cooked frozen food contained therein, the container comprising:

a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container;

wherein the inner container is configured such that when the inner container is placed within the outer container, the second lip contacts the first ridge and the inner bottom and the outer bottom are spaced apart;

wherein the second radius is greater than the first radius such that an exhaust port is formed between the second lip and the first ridge at the corner;

wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first ridge; and is

Further wherein the first interior space is in fluid communication with the second interior space when the inner container is placed within the outer container and the lid covers the outer container.

10. A food packaging container for steaming a pre-cooked frozen food contained therein, said container comprising:

a lid configured to contact the first lip and cover the outer container;

one or more frozen food products placed within the inner container and comprising one or more frozen dumplings; and

ice placed within the outer container;

wherein the second lip is substantially parallel to the first ridge;

wherein the first interior space is in fluid communication with the second interior space when the inner container is placed within the outer container and the lid covers the outer container; and is

Further wherein the lid is heat sealed to the first lip of the outer container.