GB2528237A

GB2528237A - A flexible thermally insulating cover for foodstuffs

Info

Publication number: GB2528237A
Application number: GB1408736.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Valerie Anne Campbell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2014-05-16
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-16
Also published as: GB201408736D0; GB2528237B

Abstract

A thermal insulation cover comprising: a flexible outer cover material 12, with an outer cover flexible rim 14 bonded to the outer cover material; a flexible insulating inner cover material 16 attached to the outer cover material, in which the inner cover material comprises one or more layers 18 of insulating material; and a tightening mechanism for tightening the rim. The tightening mechanism may comprise a drawstring channel 20 within the periphery 22 of the thermal insulation cover 10 having an opening 24 to receive a drawstring 26 passing through the opening and the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.

Description

A flexible thermally insulating cover for foodstuffs

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to covers for foodstuffs, in particular to thermally insulating covers for foodstuffs adapted to cover an open container.

Background

Covers are used for foodstuffs either to keep hot foods hot or cold foods cold when in a warm environment. Prior art covers either rely on preventing convection cooling (or warming) of food stuffs by simply hindering air circulation above or around the foodstuff, or have thermal insulation properties, hindering heat conduction from the air next to the foodstuff to the external environment. Many prior art covers are adapted to contain the food, in the sense that the cover either comprises a base on which the foodstuff, or a foodstuff in a container, stands, or they are adapted to interfit with a specific container. A trivial example of such a cover is a lid for a specific container, wherein the lid may or may not be insulated.

However, it is desirable in many cases to cook or to serve foodstuffs in containers that are not specifically adapted to be insulating or to have an insulating lid. Clearly, and insulating container hinders heat transfer into food during cooking. There is a need for a generally usable cover that has insulating properties, that may be used with a range of containers.

Additionally drawbacks with prior art means of solving the problem such as flexible coverings of plastic film or tinfoil, or fabric-based insulating covers such as tea cosies, include that they are not retained on the container, they are easily dislodged, they are at best poorly insulating, they have poor appearance and in the case of re-usable devices such as tea cosies, it is not desirable that they come into contact with food as they are not adapted to be easily cleaned. There is a need for an improved thermally insulating cover for foodstuffs, that may be used with a range of containers without the container being limited to a specific shape, is able to be retained on the container, has good aesthetic appearance, and is easily washable.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US2O1 10250331 discloses: a thermal food cover comprises a first layer comprising a fabric material and a second layer coupled with the first layer and comprising an insulative material. The thermal food cover further comprises a third layer coupled with the first layer, and comprising a food-grade, thermally resistant, material. In another aspect, a method for retaining thermal properties of a food item, comprises placing the food item on a surface.

The method further comprises covering the food item with a thermal food cover to retain thermal properties of the food item, the food cover comprising a first layer comprising a fabric material, a second layer coupled with the first layer and comprising an insulative material, and a third layer coupled with the first layer, and comprising a food-grade, thermally resistant, material.

This device solves some but not all of the above mentioned drawbacks, in that is is insulating and may have good aesthetic appearance, but it is not adapted ot be retained on an open container and comprising fabric and insulating materials in one unit, is not readily adapted to being washed.

JP2011161 018 discloses: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple-structured cap-shaped heat insulating cover for a stewing pot, capable of being inexpensively provided because the original form is flat and sewing is very easy because of the shape, and capable of being conveniently stored by folding the cover flat in the original form without requiring wide space for storage. SOLUTION: The heat insulating cover is a flat body opened cylindrically in the vertical direction by horizontally double-folding a flexible heat insulating cover fabric and sewing both ends of the folded fabric to each other. The sewn part is formed in an approximately lower half part in the height direction of the flat body, and an unsewn part in an upper half part makes an opening. A drawstring passage is formed along the upper end of the flat body, and drawstring extraction holes are opened in the opening.

Both ends of a drawstring inserted into the drawstring passage project from the drawstring extraction holes so that the upper end of the flat body can be gathered. The gathered flat body is deformed into a cap shape to cover a pot.

This device has a drawstring to retain it on a cooking pot but does not improve with regard to other drawbacks, such as improved aesthetics or ready washability. For example, in the case that the fabric contacts food within the pot, it needs to be washed, but insulating fabrics typically are not readily washable using conventional hand washing or washing machines.

US2O1 10084071 discloses: the present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.

This device is typical of the type that includes a base, and is not adapted to cover an existing container of arbitrary shape. Similar folding cover devices are known without a base, but likewise they provide only poor insulation properties.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a thermal insulation cover comprising: a flexible outer cover material; an outer cover flexible rim bonded to the outer cover material; a flexible insulating inner cover material attached to the outer cover material, in which the inner cover material comprises one or more layers of insulating material; and a tightening mechanism for tightening the rim.

Such mechanism typically allows for bunching of the rim.

In preferred embodiments a drawstring channel is encompassed within the periphery of the thermal insulation cover having an opening to receive a drawstring passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring is adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.

In some embodiments the thermal insulation cover comprises: a flexible outer cover comprising a flexible outer cover material and an outer cover flexible rim bonded to the outer cover material; a flexible insulating inner cover removably attachable to the outer cover, in which the inner cover comprises one or more layers of flexible insulating material, a drawstring channel within the periphery of the thermal insulation cover having an opening to receive a drawstring passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.

In some embodiments the inner cover is removably attached to the outer cover flexible rim.

In some embodiments the drawstring channel is provided within the outer cover.

In some embodiments the drawstring channel is provided within the outer cover flexible rim.

In some embodiments the drawstring channel is provided within the inner cover.

In some embodiments the inner cover comprises an inner cover flexible rim to which the one or more layers of insulating material are bonded, configured to be attachable to the outer cover flexible rim.

In some embodiments the drawstring channel is provided within the inner cover flexible rim.

In this way the thermal insulation cover of the invention may be adapted to be placed over an item to be insulated, such as a foodstuff in an open container such as a dish or a bowl, and the drawstring may be tightened by pulling so as to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover around the rim of the container. The thermal insulation cover may then be firmly located on the container and will not tend to lift or to be knocked off the container as is likely to happen with previously existing alternatives such as a foil or plastic film cover.

Herein reference will be made to the cover of the invention being adapted to hinder heat loss from a hot foodstuff. According to an embodiment the cover is also useable to hinder heat flow into a cold foodstuff in a warm environment. In some embodiments the cover may be adapted preferentially for one or the other function as will be described herein.

In some embodiments the outer cover flexible rim comprises a first attachment means and the inner cover flexible rim comprises a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means being configured to connect reversibly one to another.

In some embodiments the first and second attachment means comprise: a press stud attachment means, a ioop and toggle attachment means, a hook and loop attachment means such as VelcroTM, a magnetic attachment means, a zip fastener or a plurality of holes formed through the flexible rims together with a cord passing through the holes to hold the rims together.

In some embodiments the attachment means comprise a bead on one of the flexible rims and a matching recess on the other, the bead and recess being adapted to interfit to form a snap-in seal.

In some embodiments the first and the second attachment means form a liquid-tight seal when attached together.

In this way the inner and outer cover are separable for washing, for example the outer cover being adapted to be washed in a fabric washing machine and the inner cover to be washed by hand or in a dishwasher. This is a significant advantage over prior art devices in which the materials of the cover are chosen to allow washing in one or other machine, so limiting the choice of materials and the efficacy or the aesthetics of the design of the prior art devices.

In some embodiments the inner cover comprises a material impermeable to liquid. In some embodiments the inner cover comprises a material impermeable to water vapour.

In some embodiments the insulating material comprises a layer of metallised polymer material. In some embodiments the insulating material comprises two or more layers of metallised polymer film bonded together at their periphery. In some embodiments the layers of metallised polymer film are bonded together within a portion of the flexible rim.

In some embodiments the insulating material comprises a closed cell polymer foam material.

In some embodiments the insulating material comprises a fibrous material.

In some embodiments the outer cover comprises a reflective outer surface. In this way the outer cover is adapted to reflect sunlight, and is therefore adapted to keep a cold foodstuff cold in sunlight.

In some embodiments the outer cover is adapted to have a weight so as in use to be retained on a container. In some embodiments the outer cover comprises one or more weights provided near the periphery of the outer cover. For example, such weights may comprise a polymer-coated metal contained within the outer cover.

The cover of the invention may be provided with a range of different outer cover materials, for example a flexible polymer sheet, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a metallised polymer sheet. In this way the cover may be provided in a range of design options to suit different applications and settings. For example, in use in the home to keep foodstuffs warm the outer cover may comprise an outer covering material knitted in the manner of a knitted tea cosy, and for use outdoors, to keep foodstuffs cool, the outer cover may comprise a reflective metallised polymer outer cover material to reflect sunshine and hence reduce heat adsorption. Other fabrics will be apparent to the skilled person.

According to a second aspect the present invention provides a method of preventing heat transfer to or from an item using a thermal insulation cover as described herein, comprising the steps of placing the thermal insulation cover over the open top of a container containing the item and drawing the drawstring such as to constrict the periphery of the cover around the container.

In some embodiments of the method the said item is a foodstuff.

In some embodiments the method further comprises the steps of attaching the inner cover to the outer cover.

In some embodiments the said step of attaching comprises the step of connecting a plurality of first attachment means provided on a rim around the periphery of the outer cover each to a second attachment means provided on a rim around the periphery of the inner cover.

In some embodiments the method further comprises the step of separating the inner cover from the outer cover.

In some embodiments the method further comprises the step of washing the cover after use, said washing comprising the steps of separating the inner cover from the outer cover.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a cover according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a region of the periphery of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a top three qualter view of a further embodiment of a cover according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a partial exploded diagram of the embodiment shown in figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a partial view of the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4 in which the outer and the inner cover are being separated by a user.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a cover according to the invention.

Figure 7 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention, showing a second size and shape and the embodiment comprising a first and a second drawstrings.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 2, an embodiment 10 of a thermal insulation cover according to the present invention comprises: a flexible outer cover material 12 and an outer cover flexible rim 14 bonded to the outer cover material, a flexible insulating inner cover material 16 attached to the outer cover material, comprising one or more layers 18 of insulating material, a drawstring channel 20 within the periphery 22 of the thermal insulation cover 10 having an opening 24 to receive a drawstring 26 passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring 26 adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.

In this embodiment the outer cover material 12 may comprise for example a waterproofed fabric material such as a PVC-coated fabric, the insulation layers 18 may comprise layers of metallised polymer film, and the embodiment comprises an additional layer 19 of a further flexible insulating material, for example a flexible foam. The outer cover material 12 and the inner cover material 16 are bonded together in a bonding region 15 adjacent to the periphery of the cover. In this embodiment the flexible rim 14 may comprise a separate component, for example a moulded polymer elastomeric channel component, bonded to the inner and outer cover materials at a bond position 17 to form the drawstring channel as shown in figure 2. Optionally the layers 18 of insulation material may be bonded together at a bonding position 21 inboard of the bond to the outer cover material and the rim, in order to define a sealed insulation compartment 23 between them.

Referring to figures 3 to 6, an embodiment 30 of a thermal insulation cover according to the present invention comprises: a flexible outer cover 32 comprising a flexible outer cover material 12 and an outer cover flexible rim 14 bonded to the outer cover matelial; a flexible insulating inner cover 36 removably attachable to the outer cover, comprising one or more layers of flexible insulating material, a drawstring channel 20 within the periphery 22 of the thermal insulation cover 30 having an opening 24 to receive a drawstring 26 passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring 26 adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.

In this embodiment the inner cover 36 is removably attached to the outer cover flexible rim 14.

In this embodiment the drawstring channel is provided within the outer cover flexible rim 14.

In this embodiment the inner cover 36 comprises an inner cover flexible rim 38 to which the one or more layers of insulating material are bonded, configured to be attachable to the outer cover flexible rim 14.

In this embodiment the outer cover flexible rim 14 comprises a first attachment means 40 and the inner cover flexible rim 38 comprises a second attachment means 42, the first and second attachment means being configured to connect reversibly one to another, the first and second attachment means comprising a press stud attachment means.

Referring to figure 4, in sequence from top to bottom of the diagram the components of embodiment 30 comprise: Patterned towelling fabric 12 for extra thermal insulation and aesthetic appearance: this fabric may be varied according to the embodiment.

An embroidered branded label 60 with care instructions on the underside Water resistant edging in the form of the outer cover flexible rim 14, that in use prevents liquid from reaching the fabric side 12 of the cover.

First attachment means 40 in the form of a male press stud.

Drawstring 26 that pulls the cover tight around a dish or table.

Second attachment means 42 in the form of a female press stud.

Insulation material in the form of thin thermal aluminium polyester sheets 18 welded together to stop any liquid from permeating the layers.

Referring to figure 6 in a further embodiment 50 the first and second attachment means comprise a loop 40 and toggle 42 attachment means.

Referring to figure 7, an embodiment 70 is larger and is adapted for example to cover a buffet utensil or a table. A first 26 and a second drawstring 72 are provided to draw the cover tight over the edge of the buffet utensil or table.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying clainis.

Claims

Claims 1. A thermal insulation cover comprising: a flexible outer cover material, with an outer cover flexible rim bonded to the outer cover material; a flexible insulating inner cover material attached to the outer cover material, in which the insulating inner cover comprises one or more layers of insulating material; and a tightening mechanism for tightening the rim.
2. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the mechanism bunches the rim.
3. A cover according to claims 1 or 2 wherein a drawstring channel within the periphery of the thermal insulation cover having an opening to receive a drawstring passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.
4. A thermal insulation cover according to claim 1 comprising: a flexible outer cover comprising a flexible outer cover material and an outer cover flexible rim bonded to the outer cover material; a flexible insulating inner cover removably attachable to the outer cover, in which the insulating inner cover comprises one or more layers of flexible insulating material, a drawstring channel within the periphery of the thermal insulation cover having an opening to receive a drawstring passing through the opening and the channel, and a drawstring adapted to pass through the channel, wherein the drawstring is configured to constrict the periphery of the thermal insulation cover.
5. A thermal insulation cover according to any of the preceding claims wherein the inner cover is removably attached to the outer cover flexible rim.
6. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein a drawstring channel is provided within the outer cover.
7. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein a drawstring channel is provided within the outer cover flexible rim.
8. A thermal insulation cover according to claims 4 or 5 wherein a drawstring channel is provided within the inner cover.
9. A thermal insulation cover according to any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the inner cover comprises an inner cover flexible rim to which the one or more layers of insulating material are bonded, configured to be attachable to the outer cover flexible rim.
10. A thermal insulation cover according to claim 8 wherein the drawstring channel is provided within the inner cover flexible rim.
11. A thermal insulation cover according to any of claims 4 to 10 wherein the outer cover flexible rim comprises a first attachment means and the inner cover flexible rim comprises a second attachment means, the first and second attachment means being configured to connect reversibly one to another.
12. A thermal insulation cover according to claim 11 wherein the first and second attachment means comprise one of a press stud attachment means, a loop and toggle attachment means, a hook and loop attachment means such as Velcro (RIM), a magnetic attachment means, a zip fastener or a plurality of holes formed through the flexible rims together with a cord passing through the holes to hold the rims together.
13. A thermal insulation cover according to claim 11 wherein the attachment means comprise a bead on one of the flexible rims and a matching recess on the other, the bead and recess being adapted to interfit to form a snap-in seal.
14. A thermal insulation cover according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the first and the second attachment means form a liquid-tight seal when attached together.
15. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the inner cover comprises a material impermeable to liquid.
16. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the inner cover comprises a material impermeable to water vapour.
17. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the insulating material comprises a layer of metallised polymer material.
18. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the insulating material comprises two or more layers of metallised polymer film bonded together at their periphely.
19. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the insulating material comprises a closed cell polymer foam material.
20. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim wherein the outer cover comprises a reflective outer surface.
21. A thermal insulation cover according to any preceding claim comprising one or more weights provided near the periphery of the outer cover.
22. A method of preventing heat transfer to or from an item using a thermal insulation cover as described herein, comprising the steps of placing the thermal insulation cover over the open top of a container containing the item and drawing the drawstring such as to constrict the periphery of the cover around the container.
23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the said item is a foodstuff.
24. A method according to claims 22 or 23 comprising the step of attaching the inner cover to the outer cover.
25. A method according to any of claims 22 to 24 comprising the step of connecting a plurality of first attachment means provided on a rim around the periphery of the outer cover each to a second attachment means provided on a rim around the periphery of the inner cover.
26. A method according to any of claims 22 to 25 comprising the step of separating the inner cover from the outer cover.
27. A method according to any of claims 22 to 26 comprising the step of washing the cover after use, said washing comprising the steps of separating the inner cover from the outer cover.