GB2419346A

GB2419346A - Container for storing and cooking food

Info

Publication number: GB2419346A
Application number: GB0509743A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francis Mackenzie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-13
Filing date: 2005-05-13
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Also published as: GB0509743D0

Abstract

A container (1), preferably of aluminium foil, for holding food during storage and cooking comprises a base (9) having a raised level (12) for supporting solids, and a lower level (10) for supporting liquids. The raised level (12) comprises a raised ridge and the lower level (10) comprises the floor portions of the base. The height and form of the ridge portion (12) is such that solid food supported on the ridge is separated from the liquids in the lower level.

Description

"A container"

Introduction

The invention relates to a foil container for holding food during storage and cooking.

There is an increasing demand for oven ready meals which are fast and efficient to prepare and labour saving.

There is a need for an improved container suitable for holding food during storage and .

while the food is being cooked. : .

Statements of invention .

According to the invention there is provided a container for containing food during.. --

storage and cooking comprising a base having a raised portion for supporting solids, and. . a lower portion for retaining liquids.

In another embodiment the raised portion comprises a raised ridge and the lower portion comprises a lower valley formed by the floor portions of the base.

In a further embodiment the height and form of the ridge is such that solid food supported on the ridge is separated from liquids in the lower valley portion.

In one embodiment the raised ridge comprises substantially an inverted Ushaped form.

In another embodiment the raised ridge comprises sloping sides.

In a further embodiment the raised ridge comprises rounded edges.

In one embodiment the lower portion comprises a generally U-shaped channel form.

ln another embodiment the lower portion comprises sloping sides.

In a further embodiment the lower portion comprises rounded edges.

In one embodiment the lower portion has a substantially uniform crosssection.

In another embodiment the raised portion comprises a single raised ridge.

In a further embodiment the raised portion comprises a continuous ridge form. .. . In one embodiment the raised portion has a uniform crosssection.... .. .

In another embodiment the raised portion comprises a ridge extending in a ring form. . .

In a further embodiment the raised portion defines an inner lower portion surrounded by. . the ring form.

In one embodiment the raised portion defines an outer lower portion surrounding the ring form.

In another embodiment the raised portion comprises a generally centrally located ridge.

In a further embodiment the raised portion comprises a substantially flat upper support region.

In one embodiment the raised portion is surrounded by an outer lower portion.

In another embodiment the raised portion has a form corresponding to the form of the container. - 3

In a further embodiment the container has a substantially oblong form, and the raised portion comprises an oblong form.

In one embodiment the raised portion comprises a width between substantially 30 and 70 per cent of the width of the base of the container.

In another embodiment the raised portion comprises a width between substantially 40 and per cent of the width of the base of the container. .

- In a further embodiment the raised portion has a height of between substantially lO and per cent of the height of the container. . In one embodiment the raised portion has a height of between substantially 12 and 18 per cent of the height of the container. ..... ::e

In another embodiment the lower portion for retaining liquids has a capacity of between 8 and 25 per cent of the total capacity of the container.

In a further embodiment the lower portion for retaining liquids has a capacity of between to and 20 per cent of the total capacity of the container.

In one embodiment only the lower portion contacts a supporting surface during use.

In another embodiment the container comprises side walls extending substantially upwards from the base.

In a further embodiment the side walls comprise an upper edge.

In one embodiment the upper edge defines an opening through which food is inserted into and removed from the container.

In another embodiment the opening is sealed by means of a film.

In a further embodiment the side walls comprise a lip arranged at an angle thereto.

In one embodiment the lip is arranged substantially at right angles to the side walls.

In another embodiment the lip comprises a reverse curl. . : In a further embodiment the side walls have a substantially smooth form.

In one embodiment the side walls comprise at least one rib. . 15.

In another embodiment the rib is parallel to the top edge of the container. In a further embodiment the rib is a strengthening rib.

In one embodiment the rib is a decorative rib.

In another embodiment the side walls comprise a plurality of ribs.

In a further embodiment the ribs are spaced apart.

In one embodiment the container is of a foil material.

In another embodiment the container is of Aluminium foil.

In a further embodiment the container comprises a food safe coating.

In one embodiment the container comprises a decorative external coating.

In another embodiment the container is of dimensions substantially suitable for holding a meal portion.

In another embodiment the container is of dimensions for holding a meal portion for one person. Alternatively the container is of dimensions for holding a meal portion for two or three people. A. 10. .:.

Detailed Description of the Invention :e

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some. :.

embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- .

. :-: ë Fig. l is a perspective view from above of a container of the invention; Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views from below of the container of Fig. l; Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the container of Figs. l and 2; Figs. S and 6 are cross-sectional views from the side and end respectively of the container of Figs. l to 3; Fig. 7 is a perspective view from above of a container of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a perspective views from below of the container of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the container of Figs. 7 and 8; Figs. 10 and 1 1 are cross-sectional views from the side and end respectively of the container of Figs. 7 to 8; Referring to Figs. 1 to 6 a container I comprises a base 9 and side walls 3 extending upwards from the base. The side walls 3 comprise an upper edge 4 which defines a mouth 6 of the container. The side walls 3 comprise a lip S which extends outwards at an angle to the side walls at the upper edge 4. :.

..

The container I is manufactured of a foil material for example, Aluminium foil. The foil is coated with a food safe coating. However, it is also possible to use an uncoated foil. The coating may be applied by any suitable method for example, by spraying, coating or. : as a film. The container may also be provided with a decorative external coating or .

covering. .....

. :-: .

The base 9 has a generally oblong-shaped form and the side walls 3 extend upwards from the base to define a generally oblong-shaped container.

The side walls 3 are substantially smooth in form and comprise ribs 8. The ribs 8 are strengthening features. They also have decorative properties.

The base 9 of the container I comprises a lower valley portion 10 and a raised ridge 12.

Only the portions of lower valley 10, which comprises the floor portions of the base, contacts a supporting surface below the container. The raised ridge 12 has an inverted U- shaped form with sloping sides and runs in an oblong ring from around the base of the container. The height of the ridge 12 is such that when the container is used to hold food solid food rests on the raised ridge 12, and any accompanying liquids or juices, grease or fat which drains from the solid food drains into the lower level floor portion 10. - 7

The ridge 12 defines a support region for supporting a portion of food. In use, a portion of solid food is supported on the uppermost parts of the ridge 12. Because of the ring form of the ridge of this embodiment, this arrangement is particularly suitable for supporting solid food having a relatively firm structure and which can rest on the spaced apart parts of the raised ridge without needing uninterrupted support from below.

The ring form defines a first inner lower valley portion enclosed within the ring form of the ridge and a second outer lower valley portion between the ridge and the outer side walls of the container. The inner and outer lower valley portions comprise a U-shaped.. ,. :.

channel form having sloping sides and rounded corners. . ., The height of the ridge 12 in this case is substantially between 10 and 20 per cent of the: height of the container. ' ..' The cross-sectional width of the ridge is approximately 15 to 30 per cent of the width of the container. The ridge extends around the base of the container in a ring form so that overall the width of the ridge as a proportion of base width is between approximately 30 and 60 per cent.

The lower valley portion 10 has a capacity in the range of 10 to 25 per cent of the overall capacity of the container.

As shown, the ridge 12 and lower valley portions 10 of the base of the container are all of a smooth and gently sloping form, and the edges are rounded. The rounded form of the edges and the sloping form of the ridge assists in facilitating run-off of liquids from the solid food portion supported on the raised ridge into the lower valley portion.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 11, in an alternative embodiment a container 11 comprises a base 19 and side walls 13. The base 19 comprises a lower valley portion 20 and a raised ridge 22. The raised ridge has an inverted U-shaped form with curved sides and is provided substantially at the centre of the base.

The raised ridge 22 comprises a generally oblong form corresponding to the form of the container and presents a substantially flat support region for supporting a portion of food.

The support region is substantially planar and the edges of the ridge are rounded. The ridge has a width of between substantially 30 and 70 per cent of the overall width of the base of the container. In a preferred embodiment the ridge has a width of substantially between 40 to 60 per cent of the overall width of the base. The ridge 22 has a height of between 10 and 20 per cent of the height of the container. . The raised ridge 22 is surrounded by the lower valley portion 20 which extends between .e the ridge and the side walls of the container. The lower valley portion 20 has a..': substantially U-shaped channel form having sloping sides and rounded edges, the cross- ...

section of the channel is substantially uniform. The lower valley portion 20 by virtue of.

its form and the height of the ridge has a relatively large capacity for containing liquids or juices from the solid food portion. The lower valley portion 20 comprises a liquid capacity in the range of 8-20 per cent of the overall capacity of the container.

As shown, the ridge 22 and lower valley portions 20 of the base of the container are all of a smooth and gently sloping form, and the edges are rounded. The rounded form of the edges and the sloping form of the ridge assists in facilitating run-off of liquids from the solid food portion.

The side walls 13 comprise an upper edge 14 which defines a mouth 16 of the container.

The side walls 13 comprise a lip I S which extends outwards at an angle to the side walls at the upper edge 14.

The lip S. IS of the containers 1, 11 has a reverse curl form to provide a flat surface suitable for covering with a sealing film. - 9-

The container is sealed by means of a food safe sealing film. The seal is an airtight seal.

The seal is removed by peeling.

In use, solid food in the container l, 11 rests on the raised ridge 12, 22 while liquids such as juices or gravies drain into the lower valley portions 10, 20. Provision of a container I, 11 comprising a base having raised ridge portions provides means for allowing food to drain during cooking and facilitates the separation of solid foods from liquids such as juices, gravies during cooking. For example, if the solid food is meat, then the configuration of the base facilitates drainage of juices or gravy away from the meat during cooking and prevents the portion of the meat that would otherwise sit in the juice Or gravy from becoming sticky or congealed in the base of the container. The container .

of the invention thus facilitates the separation of liquid and solid food products that could not be achieved in a container with a flat planar base. Similarly, solid and liquid foods are separated from each other during storage to assist in preventing solid foods from.

absorbing the liquids. .

The container is suitable for holding pre-prepared meals which include both solid foods . and accompanying liquid foods such as sauces.

The container is also suitable for holding meat, for example fish steak, in which case the meat is supported on the ridge portion and any fat, grease or juices which escape from the meat during cooking drain away from the meat into the lower valley portions.

The container is designed to store food at all stages from its initial preparation at which point it is inserted into the container and the container sealed for storage, through transport or through cooking until the food is served.

The container is of a size suitable for holding a meal portion, for example having dimensions at the top of the container of 202mm (length) x 110mm (width) x 60mm - 10 (height). The container is suitable for holding portions of meat or fish for example rolled meat or salmon joints or other types of meat. As illustrated in Fig. I I the solid food F e.g. meat is placed on the ridge portion of the container and substantially fills the container.

The containers according to the invention are configured to support solid food on the ridge portion while the lower valley portion is designed to receive any juices or liquids which may drain away from the solid food during storage and/or cooking.

The form of the ridge and lower valley portions, and in particular, the relative dimensions of these portions as a proportion of the overall internal area/capacity of the container are very advantageous in providing adequate support for the food and adequate drainage capacity to allow the liquids to drain away from the food. This is very advantageous if the solid food and liquids are to be maintained substantially spaced apart and/or separated from each other.

Considering in terms of the overall dimensions of the container, the ridge and lower valley portions are formed to provide a relatively large support area for supporting the solid and a relatively large liquid capacity lower valley portion.

The raised portion, comprising the ridge form which is provided for supporting the solid food is preferably between approximately 30 and 70 per cent of the overall width of the base of the container, as defined by the outer side and end walls at the base.

The upper portion of the ridge is substantially flat with rounded edges, the lower valley portions of the container are comprised of sloping walls and the base floor, the edges being rounded.

The height of the ridge from the bottom floor of the container is sufficient to support the food above the level of liquid in the lower valley portion. The ridge is between 8 and 24 per cent of the overall height of the container. Preferably the ridge is between 10 and 20 per cent of the overall height of the container. For example, in the case of a container having a height of 60mm the ridge has a height of the order of Smm to 15mm. It has been found that a ridge of height of approximately lOmm provides particularly good results.

The rounded form of the edges and the sloping form of the ridge and lower portions of the base assists in facilitating run-off of liquids from the solid food portion.

It will be appreciated that containers may be manufactured to any suitable dimensions as required. --en.

The process for manufacturing containers of the invention includes the following: - Presenting a web of foil at a stamping tool for stamping.

- Holding or clamping the foil web at the sides to support and stretch the foil during stamping and to reduce deformation or roughness of the foil so as to produce a smooth walled container . - Stamping a container from the foil web in a single, or two, or three stamp process - And thereby cutting the container from the foil web During the formation of the container a secondary action in the tool forms the deeper ridge/lower valley portion formations in the base of the container.

Example 1

Two containers are stamped from a piece of foil having dimensions of the order 700mm x 400mm, and a thickness of 110-120m. - 12

A stamping tool having a twin head is used to stamp the container in a two stamp process in which the stamps are performed substantially simultaneously. This tool also cuts the containers from the foil.

The container of example I has a form similar to the container 1 as described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

The container of example 1 has an overall height of 60mm. The side walls slope gently outwards from the base to the top of the container. At the central longitudinal axis of the container the length of the container is 202mm at the top of the side walls and 186mm at the base of the side walls. At the central lateral axis of the container, the width of the....

container is l lOmm between the side walls at the top opening and a width of 94 mm. . . between the side walls at the base. The lip extends 6mm outwardly relative to the side walls around the top opening of the container. 15. :.

The ridge has a height of approximately lOmm from the base/floor of the lower valley - -- portion.

- - : The lower valley portion for containing liquids and /or juices which drain from the solid food portion during cooking has a capacity in the range of 10-20 per cent of the overall capacity of the container, preferably around IS per cent. For example for a container having a 1 Litre capacity the lower valley portion has a capacity of approximately l SOcc.

Example 2

Two containers are stamped from a piece of foil having dimensions of the order 700mm x 400mm, and a thickness of 110-120,um.

A stamping tool having a twin head is used to stamp the container in a two stamp process in which the stamps are performed substantially simultaneously. This tool also cuts the containers from the foil. - 13

The container of example 2 has a form similar to the container 11 as described above with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. The container of example 2 has an overall height of 60mm, width of I 10 mm between the side walls at the top opening and a width of 94 mm between the side walls at the base. The side walls slope gently outwards from the base to the top of the container. At the central longitudinal axis of the container the, length of the container is 202mm at the top of the side walls and 1 86mm at the base of the side walls.

The lip extends 6mm outwardly relative to the side walls around the top opening of the container. The ridge has a height of approximately lOmm from the base/floor of the lower valley portion.

The lower valley portion for retaining liquids and /or juices which drain from the solid food portion during cooking has a capacity in the range of 10-20 per cent of the overall capacity of the container, preferably around 12 per cent. For example for a container having a I Litre capacity the lower valley portion typically has a capacity of approximately 1 20cc.

The container of the invention has the advantage of being robust by virtue of the arrangement of the side walls and base. The provision and form of the ridge in the base provides a container having increased strength and rigidity.

The container of the invention is lightweight yet robust and as result is user friendly and easy to handle.

The container of the invention provides advantages over the prior art for the storage and handling of foods in particular for the storage and handling of portions of meat or fish.

During storage and cooking liquids and juices will often drain from the portion of meat or fish. The container of the invention is configured to maintain the solid food separate from the liquids and juices. In comparison with prior art containers for example containers having embossing, the capacity of the lower valley for liquids is much greater. 14

This advantage of the container of the invention is that base is not merely embossed but comprises relatively deep drain/valley portions and a relatively high ridge in comparison

with the prior art arrangements.

The container of the invention has the advantages of providing a relatively large support area for supporting the solid food and a relatively large liquid capacity for containing liquids that drain from solid food during storage or cooking. The support region and drainage capacity are both increased relative to containers of the prior art.

The container of the invention further has the advantage that it is a meal portion container - having dimensions suitable for holding a portion for I, 2 or 3 persons. The form of the ... . base is such that accommodation for solids and liquids is provided within a relatively.. e small overall area.

The container of the invention has the advantages that it is produced by a process that is: cost effective and efficient. The process of manufacturing the container is achieved using - a single tooling operation, the tool being configured to perform a first and second action to achieve the required finish. This eliminates the needs for multi-tooling. The container of the invention has the advantage that it is suitable for containing a food portion during cooking in the oven being configured to both support the food and to allow drainage of juices or liquids from the food. The combination of features of the relatively high support region and deep lower valley portion of the container provides drain which very effectively contains the juices.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail. -

Claims

Claims 1. A container for containing food during storage and cooking

comprising a base having a raised portion for supporting solids, and a lower portion for retaining liquids.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raised portion comprises a raised ridge and the lower portion comprises a lower valley formed by the floor portions of the base.
3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the height and form of the ridge is:.

such that solid food supported on the ridge is separated from liquids in the lower,.

valley portion. ë
4. A container as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the raised ridge comprises ': substantially an inverted U-shaped form. .... . :::.
5. A container as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the raised ridge comprises .

sloping sides.
6. A container as claimed in claims 2 to 5, wherein the raised ridge comprises rounded edges.
7. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lower portion comprises a generally U-shaped channel form.
8. A container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the lower portion comprises sloping sides. - 16
9. A container as claimed in claims 7 or 8 wherein the lower portion comprises rounded edges.
10. A container as claimed in claims 7 to 9 wherein the lower portion has a substantially uniform cross-section.
11. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion comprises a single raised ridge.
12. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion comprises a continuous ridge form. e--
13. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion has a uniform cross-section. A 15.'::
14. A container as claimed in any of claim 2 to 13 wherein the raised portion comprises a ridge extending in a ring form. ..... ë:-:
15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the raised portion defines an inner lower portion surrounded by the ring form.
16. A container as claimed in claims 14 or 1S wherein the raised portion defines an outer lower portion surrounding the ring form.
17. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion comprises a generally centrally located ridge.
18. A container as claimed in claim 17 wherein the raised portion comprises a substantially flat upper support region. - 17
19. A container as claimed in claims 17 or 18 wherein the raised portion is surrounded by an outer lower portion.
20. A container as claimed in claims 17 to 19 wherein the raised portion has a form corresponding to the form of the container.
21. A container as claimed in claims 17 to 20 wherein container has a substantially oblong form, and the raised portion comprises an oblong form.
22. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion comprises a width between substantially 30 and 70 per cent of the width of the.....

base of the container. . is: r *
23. A container as claimed in claim 22 wherein the raised portion comprises a width between substantially 40 and 60 per cent of the width of the base of the container.
24. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the raised portion has a height of between substantially 10 and 20 per cent of the height of the container.
25. A container as claimed in claim 24 wherein the raised portion has a height of between substantially 12 and 18 per cent of the height of the container.
26. A container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lower portion for retaining liquids has a capacity of between 8 and 25 per cent of the total capacity of the container.
27. A container as claimed in claim 26 wherein the lower portion for retaining liquids has a capacity of between 10 and 20 per cent of the total capacity of the container. - 18
28. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein only the lower portion contacts a supporting surface during use.
29. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises side walls extending substantially upwards from the base.
30. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side walls comprise an upper edge.
31. A container as claimed in any claim 30, wherein the upper edge defines an opening through which food is inserted into and removed from the container. ......

- :
32. A container as claimed in claim 31, wherein the opening is sealed by means of a film. . . A.':
33. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side walls comprise a lip arranged at an angle thereto. . . i..
34. A container as claimed in claim 33, wherein the lip is arranged substantially at right angles to the side walls.
35. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lip comprises a reverse curl.
36. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side walls have a substantially smooth form.
37. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side walls comprise at least one rib. - 19
38. A container as claimed in claim 37, wherein the rib is parallel to the top edge of the container.
39. A container as claimed in claims 37 or 38, wherein the rib is a strengthening rib.
40. A container as claimed in claims 37 to 39 wherein the rib is a decorative rib.
A container as claimed in claims 37 to 40 wherein the sides walls comprise a plurality of ribs.
42. A container as claimed in claim 41, wherein the ribs are spaced apart. ,
43. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is of a foil material. a:.

15.' ::
44. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is of Aluminium foil. .... ...

.,. :
45. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a food safe coating.
46. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a decorative external coating.
47. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is of dimensions substantially suitable for holding a meal portion.
48. A container as claimed claim 47, wherein the container is of dimensions for holding a meal portion for one person. -
49. A container as claimed claim 47, wherein the container is of dimensions for holding a meal portion for two or three people.

SO. A container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. ëce.

I a ë . .