WO2023111895A1

WO2023111895A1 - Container for cooking, storing and/or transporting dishes

Info

Publication number: WO2023111895A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/062216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Luigi Rodella
Original assignee: Pandora Srl
Priority date: 2021-12-14
Filing date: 2022-12-14
Publication date: 2023-06-22

Abstract

A container for cooking and/or storing dishes, comprising a base (20) and a lid (30) and means (50) for operatively coupling the lid (30) and the base (20) to keep the latter in a sealed configuration of the container so as to prevent the dishes from spilling from the latter, and sealing means (40) designed to remain interposed between the base (20) and the lid (30) when the container is in the sealed configuration. The coupling means (50) are configured to allow the container to automatically switch from a hermetically sealed configuration to a non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container reaches a predetermined threshold value so as to allow the release of air.

Description

CONTAINER FOR COOKING, STORING AND/OR TRANSPORTING DISHES DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the technical field of containers for dishes, and it particularly relates to a container susceptible to be used for cooking dishes, in particular in a microwave, and/or for storing dishes, in particular in a refrigerator, and/or for transporting cooked dishes and/or for using such dishes.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cooking or preparing dishes using such container.

State of the Art

There are known processes for cooking or preparing dishes which require the cooking thereof indoors. A known type of such cooking is the so-called "vacuum cooking". In such process, the dishes are placed in a sealed glass container, and they are subsequently heated using known techniques, for example in a "water bath" or in a microwave.

Glass containers, such as Bormioli Fido, IKEA Korken, Le Parfait Preserve, Kilner jars or Week jars are normally used to this end. Such jars have a base, a lid, a gasket interposed between them and a variably-shaped lever closure, made of metal. When the internal pressure increases during the cooking, the gasket yields allowing the release of air.

The drawback of such containers lies in the fact that it does not allow to control the internal pressure and therefore the cooking pressure. Furthermore, the pressure at which the gasket yields is entirely random, and it varies from one container to the other.

Furthermore, in such known containers the internal pressure deforms - in the radial direction - the gasket jeopardising the operation thereof over time. In other words, besides being random, the pressure at which the hermetic sealing of the same container yields also varies over time.

A further drawback of such containers lies in the fact that it requires heating the container so as to able to open it after it has been stored in the refrigerator, that is when the internal pressure is lower than the external one. Such procedure jeopardises the dishes inside the container. Furthermore, such procedure also influences the temperature for using the dishes which cannot be consumed cold.

A further drawback of such containers lies in the fact that they cannot be used in some situations, for example when there is the risk of breaking like during transportation or when used in public facilities.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by providing a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes that is highly functional.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes which allows to control the cooking pressure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking dishes using a microwave.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes which allows the use thereof in public facilities cafeterias, restaurants or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes which maintains performance intact over time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes that is particularly safe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes that allows to open it without having to heat the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking and/or storing and/or transporting dishes that allows to change the internal pressure during the step for cooking the dishes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking dishes using various culinary processes.

These and other objects that will be more apparent hereinafter, are attained by a container for cooking and/or storing dishes as described, illustrated and/or claimed herein.

Suitably, there may be provided for a container for preparing dishes, which may comprise a base, a lid and means for operatively coupling the lid and the base to retain the latter in a sealed configuration of the container so as to prevent the dishes from spilling. Sealing means designed to remain interposed between the base and the lid may also be provided for when the container is in the sealed configuration. The coupling means may be configured to allow the container to automatically switch from a hermetically sealed configuration to a non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container reaches a predetermined threshold value to allow the release of air.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the container may comprise sealing means configured to allow the base and the lid to switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration, and to promote the return of the base and the lid from the non-hermetically sealed configuration to the hermetically sealed configuration.

Advantageously, the base and the lid may be movable between a proximal position in which they are in contact with the sealing means to define the hermetically sealed configuration, and a detached position in which at least one of the base and the lid are slightly spaced from the sealing means to form an interspace for releasing air defining the non-hermetically sealed configuration.

Suitably, the container may comprise at least one elastic element operatively connected with the lid and the base, the at least one elastic element may be configured to be elastically deformed when the lid and the base switch from the proximal position in contact with the detached position when the internal pressure of the container reaches a predetermined threshold value. The at least one elastic element may define sealing means.

Advantageously, the lid and the base may comprise a respective at least one first and at least one second operative portion configured so that the switching of the lid and the base from the proximal position in contact with the detached position corresponds to the moving away or approaching of the at least one first and at least one second operative portion, and so that the switching of the lid and the base from the detached position to the proximal position corresponds to the approaching or moving away of the at least one first and at least one second operative portion. The at least one elastic element may be operatively connected with the latter so as to be elastically deformed when the lid and the base switch from the proximal position to the detached position.

According to a second different aspect of the invention, the sealing means of the container may be configured to allow the base and the lid to switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration and to promote the return of the base and the lid from the non-hermetically sealed configuration to the hermetically sealed configuration at least when the internal pressure value is lower than the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, the gasket means may act as the sealing means described above.

Advantageously, when the container is in the hermetically sealed configuration, the base and the lid may be in contact with the sealing means, and when the container is in the non-hermetically sealed configuration the at least one of the base and the lid may be slightly spaced from the sealing means to form an interspace for releasing air. The base and the lid may keep their mutual distance intact when the container switches between the hermetically sealed configuration and the non- hermetically sealed configuration.

The invention may also relate to a kit for manufacturing a container comprising a base and a lid. The kit may further comprise at least one first and one second portion gasket designed to be selectively alternately interposed between the base and the lid when the container is in the sealed configuration. The first and second gasket may be configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches a first and a second predetermined threshold value, so that the container switches from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non- hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches said first and second threshold value.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there may be provided for a kit for manufacturing a container comprising a base and a lid which may comprise at least one first and one second elastic sealing element designed to be operatively selectively alternately connected with the base and the lid when the container is in the sealed configuration. The at least one first and one second elastic sealing element may be configured to be elastically deformed when the lid and the base switch from the proximal position in contact with the detached position when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches a first and a second predetermined threshold value, so that the container switches from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container respectively takes the first and second threshold value.

According to a different aspect of the invention, there may be provided for a kit for manufacturing a container comprising a base and at least one first and one second gasket designed to be selectively alternately interposed between the base and the lid when the container is in the sealed configuration. The at least one first and one second gasket may be configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches a first and a second predetermined threshold value, so that the container switches from the from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches said first and second threshold value.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there may be provided for a method for preparing dishes which may comprise the steps of:

- providing a container comprising at least one base and one lid, the container being susceptible to automatically switch between a hermetically sealed configuration and a non- hermetically sealed configuration in which it allows to release the air upon reaching a predetermined internal pressure;

- introducing dishes to be prepared into the container;

- determining a maximum pressure threshold value inside said container;

- providing a plurality of elastic elements different from each other configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container reaches different threshold values;

- selecting at least one elastic element from the plurality according to the determined maximum pressure threshold value;

- closing the container so that the latter is hermetically sealed and coupling the selected elastic element with the base and the lid.

On the other hand, according to a different aspect of the invention, the aforementioned provision and selection step may be replaced by the steps of:

- providing a plurality of gaskets different from each other configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container reaches different threshold values;

- selecting at least one gasket from the plurality according to the determined maximum pressure threshold value.

According to a further aspect of the invention, irrespective of the presence and/or of the configurations described above of the sealing means and/or gasket means, there may be provided for a container for cooking and/or storing dishes adapted warm the dishes and cool them subsequently, which may comprise a base, and a lid, and means for operatively coupling the lid and the base to retain the latter in a sealed configuration of the container so as to prevent the dishes from spilling, and sealing means designed to remain interposed between the base and the lid when the container is in the sealed configuration so that it is hermetically sealed. When the container is hermetically sealed, and the internal pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold value air does not flow between the internal and the external of the container so as to allow to warm and/or cool the dishes without the air flowing between the internal and the external of the container.

Advantageously, the container may further comprise valve means to allow the inflow/outflow of air into/from the container once the lid and the base are in the hermetically sealed configuration, said valve means being selectively actuatable by a user.

Suitably, the lid may comprise a concave seat for the valve means comprising at least one through hole, while the valve means may comprise an operative surface comprising an elastomeric ring. In particular, the valve means may be selectively movable between a first position in which the elastomeric ring is at the at least one through hole to prevent the air from flowing into/from container and a second position in which the elastomeric ring is spaced from the at least one through hole to allow the air to flow into/from the container.

Advantageously, the lid may comprise a concave seat for the valve means comprising at least one through hole, while the valve means may comprise a portion with an operative surface, the valve means may be rotatably selectively movable between a first position in which the operative surface is at the through hole to occlude the latter and a second position in which the operative surface is spaced from the at least one through hole to form an interspace to respectively not allow/allow the air to flow into/from the container.

According to a further aspect, the concave seat may be configured to entirely contain the valve means so that the container has a substantially flat upper surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention, irrespective of the configurations of the container described above, the base and the lid may be made of polymeric material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, irrespective of the configurations of the container described above, there may be provided for a system for preparing dishes comprising a plurality of containers all of which may have the same predetermined threshold value. Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of an example of a first embodiment of the container 1;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are cross-sectional schematic views of some details of the container 1 of FIG. 1 in different operating steps, with FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D showing some enlargements of some details of respectively FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D are a cross-sectional schematic view of some details of different embodiments of the container 1 comprising the deformable gasket 40;

FIGS. 5A and 5B, 6A and 6B are cross-sectional schematic views of some details of the container 1 with different embodiments of the gasket 40;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an axonometric view of a different embodiment of a container 1 respectively in open and closed configuration comprising a clip 110;

FIGS. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container 1 of FIG. 7B,

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the container 1 respectively in hermetically sealed and non-hermetically sealed configuration;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are an axonometric view of a different embodiment of a container 1 respectively in open and closed configuration comprising an elastic ring 120;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 10B;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the container 1 respectively in hermetically sealed and non-hermetically sealed configuration;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are an axonometric view of different embodiments of the container 1 in open configuration;

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a lateral view of a different embodiment of the container 1 in different operating steps comprising a connection element 131, in particular in FIG. 14A the container is in closed configuration and in FIG. 14C the container is in open configuration;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the container 1 respectively in hermetically sealed and non-hermetically sealed configuration;

FIG. 16 is an axonometric view of a different embodiment of the container 1 comprising a different embodiment of the connection element 131;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are a respectively axonometric and lateral view of the connection element 131 of FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the rigid connection element 131 with a pin 130 in which the container 1 is respectively in hermetically sealed configuration and in non-hermetically sealed configuration;

FIGS. 19A and 20A are a cross-sectional schematic view of some embodiments of the container 1 respectively comprising the clip 110 and the connection element 131 with a particular embodiment of the gasket 40, with FIGS. 19B and 20B showing an enlargement of some details respectively of FIGS. 19A and 20A;

FIG. 21 is an axonometric view of an embodiment of the container 1 comprising a particular embodiment of the valve means 70 de-coupled from the lid 30, with in FIGS. 22A and 22B showing the container 1 with the valve means 70 respectively in closed position and in open position;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are an axonometric view of the container 1 with a different embodiment of the valve means 70 respectively in closed position and in open position;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of some details of FIG. 23A;

FIGS. 25A and 26A are a cross-sectional view of some details of the container 1 of FIG. 21 wherein the valve means 70 are respectively closed and open, with FIGS. 25B and 26B showing some enlarged details respectively of FIGS. 25A and 26A;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a different embodiment of the container 1 without deformable means 100, with FIG. 28 showing an enlargement of some details of FIG. 1,-

FIGS. 28A and 29A are a cross-sectional view of some details of the container 1 of FIG. 27 with a different embodiment of the valve means 70 respectively closed and open, with FIGS. 28B and 29B showing some enlarged details respectively of FIGS. 28A and 29A;

FIG. 30 is an axonometric view of the container 1 comprising a particular embodiment of the closing means 50;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the container FIG. 30;

FIGS. 32A and 32B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the container 1 respectively in hermetically sealed and non-hermetically sealed configuration;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are an axonometric view of some details of a container 1 with an elastic ring 120 contained in an abutment element 131 wherein the latter are respectively coupled and decoupled, with FIG. 33C showing some details in cross-sectional view of FIG. 33B;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are a cross-sectional enlarged view of some details of the container 1 of FIG. 33A respectively in hermetically sealed and non-hermetically sealed configuration.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the mentioned figures, herein described is a container 1 particularly suitable for storing and/or preparing and/or transporting and/or using dishes, as better explained hereinafter.

In particular, the container 1 may be particularly suitable for heating dishes, for example cooking them, and for cooling the subsequently, for example to return them to room temperature and continue cooking or store them in a refrigerator.

Essentially the container 1 may comprise or consist of a base 20 and a lid 30. The latter may be suitable to be mutually coupled to form the container 1.

Suitably, the container 1 may comprise sealing means 40, for example an elastomeric gasket, designed to remain interposed between the base 20 and the lid 30 and means 50 for mutually removably retaining the lid 30 and the base 20 so as to form the closed container 1.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the base 20 and the lid 30 may be made of polymeric material. Preferably, also the means 50 may be made of polymeric material. More preferably, the container 1 may be entirely made of polymeric material.

Preferably, such polymeric material may be copolyester or polypropylene used as is or it may be copolyester or polypropylene filled with glass fibre or glass beads or a mineral filler, for example talc.

Possibly, such material may be polycarbonate or PET. Possibly, such material may be recycled material. For example, the base 20 and/or the lid 30 may be made of recycled PET.

Preferably, the material is of the type suitable for contact with foodstuffs.

Due to these characteristics, the container 1 may be thermally insulating. In this manner, unlike other materials such as for example glass, advantageously, the user may handle the container 1 after cooking.

Furthermore, when preparing dishes by cooking in a microwave, the microwave oven may directly act on the dishes without heating the container 1. In this manner, there may be no other source of heat for the dishes, unlike what happens with glass jars instead.

In this manner, advantageously, the container 1 does not heat the dishes but only the action of the microwaves allowing a greater precision when preparing foods.

The use of polymeric material for manufacturing the container 1 according to one or more of the embodiments described below, may therefore allow the use of the container 1 for preparing dishes (for example by cooking in a microwave), for storing the dishes (for example in a refrigerator) and/or for transporting dishes and/or for using the dishes.

Furthermore, the container 1 made of polymeric material may allow the use thereof even in particular situations such as public facilities or the like in which the use of dangerous dishware such as glass containers is forbidden by law.

Furthermore, thanks to this characteristic, the container 1 may be particularly safe and it may be suitable for use by children too.

Furthermore, the container 1 may be washed in a dishwasher.

As better explained hereinafter, the base 20 and the lid 30 may be movable between a configuration in which they are distal and the container 1 is open, and a configuration in which they are proximal and the container 1 is closed. In any case, the base 20 and the lid 30 may be operatively coupled to each other in the closed configuration in a different manner depending on the embodiments.

The means 50 may therefore be different depending on the configurations of the base 20 and of the lid 30. Possibly, even the means 50 may be made of polymeric material.

Preferably, the container 1 may be substantially box-shaped with a base wall 3 and an opposite substantially flat upper wall 4 and a side wall 5 interposed between the base and upper walls 3, 4 and substantially perpendicular to the latter.

Preferably, as shown in the attached figures, the side wall 5 may be substantially continuous.

Possibly, the side wall 5 may preferably be without edges. This may advantageously allow to prevent the container from damaging paper bags or other containers near it.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, when the lid 30 and the base 20 are in proximal position and the container 1 is closed, the latter may be movable between a configuration in which it is hermetically sealed and a configuration in which it is non-hermetically sealed, that is there may be allowed a small through-flow for air from the internal to the external of the container 1, or vice versa.

In the present document, the latter configuration is defined as "non-hermetically sealed" given that the container 1 in such configuration may prevent the dishes from spilling from and/or dirt from entering into the container 1 and at the same time allow the through-flow of air.

Suitably, the container 1 may comprise sealing means 100 configured to allow the switching from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration so that the internal pressure of the container 1 does not exceed a predetermined threshold value. In other words, the means 100 may be means for controlling the internal pressure of the container 1.

It is clear that the internal pressure may be directly connected to the internal temperature. Therefore, acting on the pressure control basically allows to act on the control of the internal temperature of the container and therefore of the cooking temperature. For example, the pressure threshold value may correspond to a maximum temperature value.

Preferably, also the means 100 may be made of polymeric material. Possibly, as better explained hereinafter, the means 100 may be entirely or partially made of rubber.

Suitably, the means 100 may be configured to allow the automatic movement between the hermetically sealed configuration and the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the pressure inside the container 1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value.

Thanks to this characteristic, during use, when the pressure inside the container 1 exceeds the threshold value, for example heating the dishes inside the hermetically sealed container 1, the means 100 may automatically allow the air to flow out. This may advantageously allow to prevent the pressure inside the container 1 from exceeding the threshold value.

Preferably, such threshold value may be predetermined. This may advantageously allow to prepare the dishes according to recipes which provide for not exceeding a predetermined pressure value during cooking.

Furthermore, possibly, such threshold value may be suitable to be predetermined by the user. This advantageously allows the user to selectively predetermine the threshold value depending on the method for cooking the preferred dishes.

Suitably, should there be considered a plurality of containers 1 equal to each other, they will all have the same pressure threshold value. On the other hand, even reutilising the same container 1 it may keep its predetermined threshold value intact over time.

Preferably, the predetermined threshold value of the internal pressure may be comprised between 0.05 bar and 1 bar, more preferably between 0.05 bar and 0.4 bar. In the present document, the expression pressure threshold value is used to indicate the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure.

In other words, the internal pressure may be greater than the external one for a value comprised between 0.05 bar and 1 bar, (for example like it happens when warming dishes in the microwave) or an external pressure may be greater than the internal one for a value comprised between 0.05 bar and 1 bar (for example like it happens when cooling dishes in the refrigerator).

Suitably, the means 100 may be configured to retain the lid 30 and the base 20 in the closed position and at the same time it allows a slight mutual movement thereof between the configuration in which the container 1 is hermetically sealed and the lid 30 and the base 20 are proximal, and the configuration in which the container 1 is non-hermetically sealed and the lid 30 and the base 20 are detached to form an interspace 101 which allows the through-flow of air.

In greater detail, the non-hermetically sealed configuration may be obtained using a slight detachment of at least one of the lid 30 and the base 20 from the gasket 40. In other words, the lid 30 and the base 20 may be movable between a proximal position in contact in which both abut against the gasket 40 so as to prevent the air from flowing through them (hermetically sealed configuration) and a detached configuration in which at least one of the lid 30 and the base 20 may be slightly spaced from the gasket 40 to form an interspace 101 so as to allow the release of air (non- hermetically sealed configuration).

Suitably, the detachment between the lid 30 and the base 20 in the non-hermetically sealed configuration, that is the interspace 101, may be relatively small, preferably smaller than a millimetre, so as to prevent the dishes from spilling from and/or dirt from entering into the container 1 and at the same time allow the through-flow of air. Preferably, the interspace 101 may be about 0.1-0.2 mm.

Suitably, the means 100 may further be configured to promote the return of the lid 30 and of the base 20 from the non-hermetically sealed configuration to the hermetically sealed configuration once the pressure inside the container 1 is lower than the predetermined threshold value. The means 100 may therefore define a constraint between the lid 30 and the base 20 of the "yieldable" type, that is a constraint that "yields" at a determined force.

The lid 30 and the base 20 may be normally forced to close using the means 100 so as to ensure the adhesion thereof with the gasket 40 and therefore the hermetic sealing of the container 1, and at the same time they may ensure the return of the lid 30 and of the base 20 in abutment against the gasket 40 once the pressure returns to a value smaller than the threshold one.

The means 100 having the characteristics described above may therefore have different configurations. Preferably, the means 100 may be elastic so as to be elastically deformed upon the detachment of the lid 30 and the base 20 and at the same time promote the return thereof towards the hermetically sealed configuration of the container 1.

The lid 30 may therefore comprise at least one operative portion 31 while the base 20 may comprise a corresponding at least one operative portion 21. Once the container is in closed position, the operative portions 21, 31, may be at, preferably facing, each other. The switching of the lid 30 and the base 20 from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration may correspond to the moving away or to the approaching of the operative portions 21, 31 and therefore to the deformation of the elastic means 100.

As better explained hereinafter, the elastic means 100 may be configured so that the internal pressure of the container 1 corresponds to a predetermined deformation thereof. In this manner, depending on the configuration (shape, significant sizes, material or hardness) of the elastic means 100, they may allow the detachment of the operative portions 21, 31 only when the pressure inside the container 1 reaches a predetermined threshold value with the advantages reported above.

Furthermore, as better specified below, the deformation of the elastic means 100 upon switching from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed one is predetermined so that they always remain withing the elastic deformation limit and allow the characteristics to remain intact over time. Thanks to this characteristic, the same container 1 may be reutilised over time maintaining the pressure threshold value thereof intact over time.

Described below are some advantageous embodiments of the means 100 configured to form the interspace 101 by mutually moving the lid 30 and the base 20.

According to a first embodiment of the container 1 schematically shown in figures FIG. 7A to FIG. 9B, the means 100 may include or consist of one or more substantially C-shaped clips 110 with a pair of opposite ends 111, 112 and a central area 113 interposed between the latter. The ends 111, 112 may be designed to interact respectively with the portion 21 and the portion 31.

Preferably, the clip 110 may be made of polymeric material, for example made of polypropylene.

In particular, the clip 110 may be elastically deformable so as to allow the portions 21 and 31 to switch from the proximal configuration (FIG. 9A) corresponding to the hermetically sealed configuration, to the distal configuration (FIG. 9B) corresponding to the non-hermetically sealed configuration and promote the return from the distal configuration to the proximal one.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a clip 110 made of a single piece which may be entirely elastically deformed. It is clear that the clip 110 may comprise only the deformable portions 111 and 112 and a non-deformable central portion, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

As schematically shown in FIG. 9B, when the portions 21, 31 are detached and the clip 100 deformed, there may be formed an interspace 101 to allow the release of air.

Suitably, the predetermined pressure threshold value may be determined by the thickness SI and/or the length LI of the clip 110 and/or by the material of the clip 110, that is the elastic properties of the latter.

For example, the clip 110 may have a thickness SI measuring about 1 mm, a length LI measuring about 20 mm, and it may be made of polymeric material, for example polypropylene.

The container 1 may comprise one or more clips 110. For example, FIG. 7B shows a container 1 with a pair of clips 110.

Suitably, the base 20 may comprise a peripheral edge 22 which may include the operative portion 21, while the lid 30 may comprise a peripheral edge 32 which may include the operative portion 31.

This characteristic may allow to position the clips 110 in any position and any number. Furthermore, this may allow to avoid the risk of the user positioning the clip 110 in an incorrect area which could jeopardise the operation of the container.

Advantageously, the embodiment of the container 1 with the clips 110 may be particularly simple to use for the user.

According to a different embodiment of the container 1 schematically shown in figures FIG. 10A to FIG. 12B, the means 100 may comprise or consist of an elastic ring 120, preferably made of silicon or elastomer.

In this case, the portions 21 and 31 may be substantially hemispherical-shaped so that when they are in proximity to each other, the respective peripheral surfaces 23, 33 define a substantially circular seat 121 for the elastic ring 120.

Preferably, as schematically shown in FIG. 11, the portions 21, 31 may have an arched cross- section so that the surface 23, 33 is substantially concave to define the concave seat 121 for the ring

120.

This may advantageously allow to avoid the inadvertent detachment of the ring 120 from the portions 21, 31, even in case of increase in the pressure inside the container 1.

Suitably, the switching of the operative portions 21, 31 from the proximal configuration (FIG. 12A) to the detached configuration (FIG. 12B) may correspond to the switching of the lid 30 and the base 20 from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration.

The elastic ring 120 may therefore be elastically deformed to allow such detachment of the portions 21, 31 and promote the approaching thereof.

As schematically shown in FIG. 12B, when the portions 21, 31 are detached and the ring 120 extended, there may be formed an interspace 101 to allow the release of air.

Suitably, for example as shown in FIG. 11, the predetermined pressure threshold value may be determined by the thickness S2 and/or outer diameter D2 of the ring 120 and/or by the material of the latter similarly to the clip 110.

It is clear that the container 1 may comprise a pair of portions 21, 31 for a pair of rings 120 positioned on the same side of the container 1 (FIG. 10B) or on opposite sides (FIG. 13A). Possibly, the container 1 may comprise four portions 21, 31 to house four corresponding rings 120 as schematically shown in FIG. 13B.

Advantageously, the container 1 comprising the elastic rings 120 may be particularly durable over time. As a matter of fact, the rings 120 may be configured so that the deformation provided for in the range of pressure values normally applied for using such container is within the range of elastic deformation of the ring 120.

Furthermore, the container 1 obtained according to such embodiment may be particularly safe given that the rings 120 must be necessarily positioned at the seats 120 therefore avoiding the risk of the user incorrectly positioning the rings 120.

Possibly, as schematically shown in FIG. 33A to FIG.34B, the ring 120 may be maintained in a circular rigid abutment element 131. In this case, upon detachment, the of the portions 21, 31, the ring 120 may be deformed so as to be compressed against the circular abutment element 131, for example against the inner surface 132 of the ring 131. It is clear that there may be provided for the substantially semi-circular portions 21, 31 with the surfaces 23, 33 to define the seat 121 for the ring 120.

Besides the advantages in terms of safety described above, thanks to the presence of the circular abutment surface 132, the pressure control may be particularly fine.

For example, with reference to such embodiment, the ring 120 may have a thickness S2 measuring about 5 mm, a diameter D2 measuring about 12 mm, and it may be made of rubber. In such case, the pressure threshold value may vary depending on the hardness of the rubber. For example, considering rings 120 of such shape and size but made of different materials, using rubber with 30ShA hardness, the threshold value may be 0.12bar, using rubber with 50ShA hardness, the threshold value may be 0.18 bar, using rubber with 75ShA hardness, the threshold value may be 0.26 bar.

According to a different embodiment for example shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, 18A and 18B, and FIG. 20A, the means 100 may comprise or consist of at least one pin 130. Preferably, such pin 130 may be made of polymeric material, for example made of elastomer or silicone.

Suitably, there may be provided for a rigid connection element 131 having a first portion 132 and a second portion 133 opposite and spaced from the portion 132. In use, the portion 21 and the portion 31 may remain interposed between the portions 132 and 133 of the connection element 131.

In particular, the pin 130 may be interposed between the portions 31 and 132 so that the detachment of the base 20 and of the lid 30 - upon switching from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration, that is the moving away of the portions 21 and 31 - may correspond to the approaching of the portion 31 to the portion 132, with the ensuing compression of the pin 130 interposed between them.

In other words, unlike the embodiments described above, the meanslOO may be elastically deformed by compression upon the detachment of the base 20 and of the lid 30.

As schematically shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the connection element 131 may be substantially a closing lever and it may comprise a portion 134 which can be operated by the user to allow the closing/opening of the container 1.

It is clear that the distance between the portions 132 and 133 may be such that the detachment of the portion 21 and31 from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non- hermetically sealed configuration necessarily determines the compression of the pin 130.

Advantageously, in such embodiment the element 131 may always remain constrained to the lid 30 or to the base 20, for example by means of a hinge in a per se known manner. This will allow to avoid losing the element 131 when using or when washing in the dishwasher.

On the other hand, according to a different embodiment shown in from FIG. 16 to FIG. 18B, the connection element 131 may be a separate piece which can be removably coupled with the lid 30 and the base 20 at the operative portions 21, 31. In particular, the element 131 may comprise a hole 135, preferably substantially circular, and two portions 132, 133 arranged on opposite sides with respect to the hole 135.

The hole 135 may therefore be configured to receive the operative portions 21, 31 and the pin 130, while the portions 132, 133 may be spaced apart so as to allow the movement of the operative portions 21, 31 from the proximal position to the detached position.

Suitably, the element 131 may comprise a seat for housing the pin 130, for example a tubular seat, so that once the pin has been inserted into the seat, the latter partially occupies the hole 135 to remain interposed between the portion 21 and the portion 132, or between the portion 31 and the portion 133, so that the movement of the operative portions 21, 31 from the proximal position to the detached position corresponds to the compression of the pin 130 in a manner similar to the description outlined above for the lever 131.

In any case, irrespective of the embodiment of the element 131, for example as schematically shown in FIG. 15B or in FIG. 18B, when the portions 21, 31 are detached and the pin 130 compressed, there may be formed an interspace 101 so as to allow the through-flow of air, and in particular the release of air from inside the container 1.

Suitably, the distance between the portions 132 and 133 may be such that when the portions 21 and 31 are detached, the latter are maintained by the portions 132 and 133. In other words, the latter may act as stop elements for the portions 21 and 31.

In this manner, advantageously, the thrust due to the internal pressure may be opposed by the element 131, while the pin 130 may act as a counteracting elastic element suitable to promote the return of the portions 21, 31 in the proximal position, that is the hermetically sealed position of the container 1.

Furthermore, this may allow to prevent the pin 130 from being compressed excessively, for example beyond the elastic deformation threshold, in case of excessive increase of the internal pressure of the container 1 or in case of a particularly quick increase of the internal pressure.

This characteristic may allow to preserve the pin 130, and therefore the means 100 and more generally the container 1 may maintain the characteristics thereof over time.

Suitably, the predetermined pressure threshold value may be determined by the characteristics of the pin 130, for example by the diameter D3 of the pin 130 and/or by the material of the latter similarly to the clip 110 and/or to the ring 120.

For example, the pin 130 may have a diameter D3 measuring about 6 mm, and it may be made of elastomer or silicon.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, there may be provided for a kit comprising a plurality of pins 130 made of different materials so as to have an elastic resistance difference, and therefore, once positioned in the seat 135 the means 100 may have a different maximum pressure threshold value.

Thanks to this characteristic, the container 1 may be suitable to prepare dishes with a different pressure threshold value.

Furthermore, after a high use or in the event of damage, the pin 130 may be simply replaced without having to replace other parts of the container 1.

It is clear that the plurality of pins 130 interchangeable with respect to each other may be provided for both with the embodiment of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B of the element 131 and the embodiment of FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B.

On the other hand, there may be provided for a plurality of clips 110 having different thickness and/or material or a plurality of elastic rings 120 having different thickness and/or material so that they allow the detachment of the base 20 and of the lid 30 at a different pressure threshold with the advantages described above.

Therefore, it is clear that there may be provided for a kit comprising a container 1 and a plurality of pins 130 or elastic rings 120 or clips 110 selectively alternately and removably couplable with the connection element 131 or with the base 30 and/or lid 20.

Due to these characteristics, the container 1 may be particularly versatile.

Suitably, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 20B in which the container comprises the elastic means 110, 120 or 130, the gasket 40 may be configured so as not to be deformed upon the increase of the pressure. As a matter of fact, in this latter case the means 100 will be deformed (differently depending on the configuration) while the gasket 40 may not be deformed. In this manner, the interspace 101 may be formed upon the detachment of the portions 21 and 31.

In other words, in such embodiments described above, the gasket 40 may have any shape. For example, it may be flat-shaped (FIG. 9A) or circular-shaped (FIG. 12A).

Possibly, at least one of the edges 32 may comprise a seat 38 for the gasket 40 for example as schematically shown in FIG. 5A and in FIG. 6A.

Thanks to this characteristic, the gasket 40 may be easily positioned correctly by the user.

Furthermore, advantageously, the gasket 40 may remain in position during use preventing from projecting laterally, in particular, upon the detachment and approaching of the lid 30 and of the base 20.

For example, in case of heating and then cooling, the gasket 40 is stressed before from the internal toward the external, then from the external toward the internal. The seat 38 may therefore allow the gasket 40 to remain in position during both operating steps.

Possibly, the gasket 40 may have a particular shape for example as shown in FIG. 19B and 20B. Such last configuration, and its advantages, will be better described hereinafter.

Irrespective of the shape of the gasket 40, preferably, one of the edges 22 may be flat so that the gasket 40 rests against an even surface. The expression "surface" is used to indicate that the flat surface of the edge may have depressions in the order of one tenth of millimetre. Therefore, the working tolerances of the gasket 40 may be particularly small and a slight detachment of the lid 30 and of the base 20 may correspond to the formation of the interspace 101. As a matter of fact, in this case there is no need to excessively compress the gasket 40 against the edges 22, 32 and this at the same time will allow to avoid the interspace 101 from being formed at the desired threshold pressure.

According to a further embodiment, the means 100 may be configured so that the switching between the hermetically sealed configuration and the non-hermetically sealed configuration does not correspond to the mutual moving away of the lid 30 and of the base 20.

In other words, an interspace 101 may be formed upon switching from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration, but the lid 30 and the base 20may maintain the mutual distance d2 intact.

Suitably, as schematically shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 6B, the gasket 40 may be elastically deformed when the pressure inside the container 1 exceeds the predetermined threshold value forming the interspace 101 between the edge 32 of the lid 30 and the edge 22 of the base 20. In other words, the gasket 40 may define the means 100. Preferably, the deformation of the gasket may correspond to a radial expansion.

Similarly to the above regarding the means 100, the shape, hardness and thickness of the gasket 40 may determine the pressure threshold value so that such value is predetermined also in this case.

In particular, the gasket 40 may be configured to have a size, and in particular a thickness, such to occlude the interspace 102 between the edge 22 and the edge 32 when the latter are in the hermetically sealed configuration so as to form the hermetic sealing of the container 1.

Suitably, when the pressure inside the container 1 reaches a predetermined threshold value, the gasket 40 may be deformed, preferably become thinner, that is reduce the thickness, so as to form the interspace 101 between the edges 22, 32 and therefore allow the release of air.

In other words, the gasket 40 may be configured to elastically change the thickness thereof upon exceeding the pressure threshold value from an operative position in which it has an initial thickness such to occlude the interspace 102 to obtain the hermetic sealing between the edges 32, 22 defining the hermetically sealed configuration, to an operative position in which it has a thickness smaller than the initial thickness to form the interspace 101 defining the non-hermetically sealed configuration.

Advantageously, the maximum pressure threshold value at which such interspace 101 is formed may be predetermined depending on the shape, hardness, and thickness of the gasket 40 .

In other words, the gasket 40 may act in a manner similar to the "yieldable constraint" described above, that is it may be deformed upon reaching a threshold internal pressure of the container 1.

The gasket 40 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, for example as shown in FIG. 5A and 5B or oval-shaped for example as shown in FIG. 6A and 6B, or, preferably, it may have a particular shape for example as shown in FIGS. 2A to 3D.

In any case, for example as shown in FIGS. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 20B, the edge 32, the edge 22 and the gasket 40 may be mutually configured so that the latter is interposed between the edges 22, 32.

Suitably, the edges 22 and/or 32 may comprise at least one respective substantially planar surface 24, 34 designed to interact with the gasket 40. The surfaces 24, 34 may preferably be facing or spaced from each other, even more preferably substantially perpendicular to the side walls 5. Possibly, the edge 22 and/or 32 may consist of the planar surface 24 and/or 34.

According to a particular embodiment, the gasket 40 may have a portion 43 with greater thickness S3 and a portion 42 with smaller thickness S4 so as to form a step. In other words, the gasket 40 may have a substantially L-shaped cross-section. In the present document, such particular shape of the gasket 40 will be referred to as shaped gasket.

Suitably, the edge 32 may be substantially counter-shaped with respect to the gasket 40. For example, the edge 32 may have a longitudinal seat 38 for the portion 43. Therefore, the substantially vertical walls 38' of the seat 38, preferably a pair of walls 38' parallel and facing each other, may act as centring for the portion 43 and therefore the gasket 40.

Preferably, the portion 43 may be inserted by interference into the seat 38.

Due to these characteristics, upon closing the lid 30 and the base 20, the gasket 40 may be correctly positioned between the edges 32 and 22. This may advantageously allow to prevent the user from incorrectly positioning the gasket 40 and therefore the latter not allow to obtain the sealing.

Furthermore, in the event of lateral thrust, that is substantially orthogonal to the lateral walls 5 of the container, the gasket 40 may be retained in position by the lateral walls 38' of the seat 38 and at the same time it may be deformed between the hermetically sealed configuration (FIG. 2B) and the non-hermetically sealed configuration (FIG. 2C) forming the interspace 101.

In greater detail, the edges 32, 22 may comprise a further operative surface 34', 24' mutually facing each other and spaced apart. It is clear that the latter surfaces 34', 24' may possibly be continuous with the surfaces 24, 34. For example, the surfaces 24 and 24' may be continuous and define a single flat surface, while the surfaces 34' and 34 may have different distances from the respective surface 24 and 24'.

The surfaces 24 and 24' may define the flat edge 22 of the base 20. Thanks to this characteristic, advantageously, the base 20 may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, this may advantageously allow to prevent the formation of dirt at the edge 22.

The portion 43 may be interposed between the surfaces 24 and 34, while the portion 42 may be interposed between the surfaces 24' and 34'.

Suitably, the distance between the surfaces 24' and 34' may be substantially equal to the thickness S4 of the portion 42, while the distance between the surfaces 24 and 34 may be substantially smaller than the thickness S3 of the portion 43.

Therefore, upon mutually approaching the base 20 and the lid 30, there may be compressed the portion 43 only which may therefore determine the degree of the hermetic sealing. The compression may therefore occur along the axis of the thickness S3 that is the one found at the larger amount of material.

Advantageously, on the other hand upon the radial expansion, the gasket 40 may be deformed along the entire width thereof, that is both the portion 43 and the portion 42, that is along the maximum length.

Due to these characteristics, there may be used relatively hard gaskets which allow a high precision in the formation of the interspace and therefore in the internal pressure control of the container 1.

Suitably, the gasket 40 may have a width substantially equal to the edge 22. In particular, the gasket 40 may be configured so that the portion 42 remains flush with the edge 22, preferably with the edge 22 and the edge 32 so that the outer surface of the side wall 5 is substantially continuous.

This characteristic may allow to prevent the dirt from slipping into the gasket 40.

Furthermore, thanks to the particular shape of the gasket 40, when the lid is closed, a part of the portion 42 may remain visible to the external conferring high aesthetic appeal to the container.

Possibly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the portion 43 may comprise a lower protuberance 44 with a surface 44' designed to come into contact with the surface 24, and an opposite upper protuberance 45 with a surface 45' designed to come into contact with the surface 34. The distance between the surfaces 45' and 44' may define the thickness S3.

Therefore, upon the vertical compression, that is substantially parallel to the side wall 5, following the closure of the lid 30 and the base 20 the protuberances 44 and 45 may be compressed so as to ensure the sealing of the gasket 40. In particular, thanks to the convex surfaces 45' and/or 44' the force exerted by the respective edge 22, 32 - upon closing - may be concentrated in a particularly limited area 24/44' and 34/45'.

Regarding the described above with reference to the change of the predetermined threshold value as a function of the hardness, thickness and shape of the pin 130, clip 110 and/or ring 120, may similarly apply to the gasket 40 described.

For example, changing the material of the gasket 40 may allow to change the elastic deformation thereof and therefore the sealing thereof and - as a result - the pressure threshold value with the advantages described above. Possibly, the difference between the distance between the surfaces 24 and 34 and the thickness S3 may be increased/decreased to change the hermetic sealing, that is to change the pressure threshold value inside the container before the gasket 40 is deformed.

It is clear that such threshold value may be changed in other ways, for example by changing the hardness of the material that the gasket is made of.

FIGS. 3A to 3D schematically show the behaviour of the gasket in different operating steps: when the container 1 is open and the gasket 40 is maintained in the seat 38 by interference (FIG. 3A), when the container 1 is hermetically sealed and the portion 43 abuts against the smooth surface 24' (FIG. 3B), when the container 1 is non-hermetically sealed and the portion 43 is slightly spaced from the smooth surface 24' (FIG. 3C) and when the container 1 is under vacuum and the pressure acts from the external and the entire area 41 of the gasket 40 is in contact with the edge 22 (FIG. 3D).

Furthermore, it is clear that the same results described above may be obtained using a gasket solely consisting of the portion 43, as schematically shown in FIGS. 5A to 6B. In such case, the gasket 40 may have a high portion S3 designed to be compressed with the advantages explained above.

In particular, one of the edges 22 and 32, preferably the edge 32, may not be completely flat and it may be configured so that the surfaces 24' and 34' abut against each other (FIG. 5B) or are spaced apart (FIG. 6B) upon closing.

On the other hand, should there be the planar portion 42, in case of internal depression, for example like it happens when the hermetically sealed container is cooled, advantageously the entire lower area 41, that is both the portion 42 and the portion 43, may adhere to the edge 22 guaranteeing a high hermetic sealing.

Thanks to this characteristic, the container 1 may be heated or used for cooking dishes and it may then be cooled or stored in the refrigerator without air flowing from the external into the internal, that is maintaining the so-called "vacuum".

Irrespective of the configuration of the gasket 40, the lid 32 may comprise at least one longitudinal protrusion 39 designed to interact with edge 22 inside the container 1.

Advantageously, such protrusion 39 may promote the centring of the lid 30 and the base 20 and therefore allow to couple the latter correctly. The container 1 may therefore be particularly safe and easy to use.

Possibly, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 28, there may be provided for a pair of protrusions 39, 39' one inside and one outside the edge 22. The gasket 40 may therefore remain interposed inside the protrusions 39 and 39'.

Besides facilitating the centring, this characteristic may allow to form a seat 38 sealed by the gasket 40 so that a slight deformation of the latter or a slight moving away of the lid 30 from the base 20 corresponds to the formation of the interspace 101. In other words, the container 1 may be particularly precise.

It is clear that the particular shaped gasket 40 described above may be used in the container 1 described above in which it is deformed upon reaching a pressure threshold value to form the interspace 101, or it may be used in different containers.

In particular, the shaped gasket 40 may be used combined with the means 100 for example as shown in FIG. 19B in which the container 1 may comprise both the clip 110 and the shaped gasket 40 for example as shown in FIG. 20B in which the container 1 may comprise both the lever 131 with the pin 130 and the shaped gasket 40.

In this case, the gasket 40 may not be deformed upon reaching the threshold value given that the base 20 and the container 30 may be moved away, but it may allow to obtain the advantages described above with reference to the centring, resistance against the lateral thrusts, the "vacuum" action.

In the light of the above, the base 20, the lid 30 and the means 100, whether clips 110, rings 120 or pins 130 as well as the deformable gasket 40, may act as a valve suitable to predetermine the maximum pressure inside the container 1.

In particular, in the light of the above, and in particular the means 100, the container 1 may automatically switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration. Furthermore, still advantageously, the container may automatically switch from the non-hermetically sealed configuration to the hermetically sealed configuration.

Still advantageously, the container 1 may switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed one respectively upon reaching the predetermined pressure value and once the internal pressure is lower than the predetermined threshold value.

According to a particular embodiment, for example shown in FIG. 27, the container 1 may comprise the base 20, the lid 30, a gasket 40 interposed between the latter and closing means 50 configured to keep the container hermetically sealed.

In this case, the gasket 40 may have the function of maintaining the hermetic sealing of the container 1 as much as possible. Preferably, such container 1 may comprise the protrusions 39 and 39' so that the gasket 40 acts in a limited seat. As a matter of fact, in this case the gasket 40 may be particularly compressed upon closing the container 1 and it may adhere to the walls of the seat 38 so as to ensure a high hermetic sealing.

Preferably, even in this embodiment the gasket 40 may be the shaped gasket described above having the advantages described above with reference to the centring, resistance to lateral thrusts both from the internal and from the external. Furthermore, the edge 22 may be flat so that the sealing of the gasket 40 is particularly high. Unlike the embodiments containing the means 100 for controlling pressure, such embodiment does not allow to predetermine the maximum pressure reached inside and/or ensure that the internal pressure does not exceed a predetermined threshold value.

Irrespective of the embodiments described above, the joining means 50 may be different both in terms of shape and type. Preferably, but not exclusively, they may comprise at least one hinge 51.

Possibly, the joining means 50 may be different depending on the type of the means 100, for example depending on the number of clips 110 and/or of rings 120 and/or of elements 131.

For example, in the embodiments of FIG. 7A - FIG. 7B, FIG. 10A - FIG. 10B, FIG. 14A - FIG. 14B - FIG. 14C, FIG. 16, FIG. 21 and FIG. 23A, the means 50 may comprise a hinge 51 arranged on the opposite side of the container 1 respectively with respect to the clips 110, the elastic rings 120 and the element 131. The embodiments of the container 1 of FIG. 4D and of FIG. 21, may also comprise a hinge 51.

On the other hand, as schematically shown in the embodiments of FIG. 4A, FIG. 23A and FIG. 27 and FIG. 31 the joining means 50 may comprise male and female elements 52 which can be mutually snap-coupled.

Possibly, as schematically shown in FIG. 31, the base 20 may comprise a protuberance or a concave portion 54 while the lid 30 may comprise a counter-shaped portion 55 with respect to the protuberance 54, for example a convex portion, so as to allow the mutual snap-engagement. Furthermore, such configuration of the means 50 may be particularly suitable for use in containers 1 in which the means 100 allow the detachment of the base 20 and of the lid 30.

Advantageously, the portion 55 may extend beyond the portion 54 so as to define a handle 134 which can be gripped by the user so as to allow an easy coupling/de-coupling the means 50 and therefore of the lid and of the base.

Furthermore, the joining means 50 may comprise the means 100, for example as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 14A and of FIG. 16, or the joining means 50 may consist of the means 100, for example as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 13A and of FIG. 13B.

Irrespective of the presence or absence of the means 100, the container 1 may comprise valve means 70 suitable to selectively place the internal of the container 1 in fluid communication with the external environment. It is clear that such means 70 may have different configurations without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Preferably, such means 70 may be suitable to be selectively actuated by the user.

Thanks to this characteristic, when the pressure inside the container 1 is lower than that of the surrounding environment, acting on the means 70 may allow to place the internal of the container in fluid communication with the external environment and therefore allow the subsequent opening of the container 1, for example by moving away the base 20 and the container 30.

Furthermore, advantageously, should the container 1 comprise the means 100, the means 70 may allow to use the container 1 with the means 100 to prepare the dishes at an atmospheric pressure. In other words, when the means 70 are open, the container 1 with the means 100 may be in the non-hermetically sealed configuration.

Suitably, irrespective of the presence of the means 100, the means 70 may be open for a part of the preparation of the dishes and they may be closed for a second part.

For example, the method for preparing the dishes may provide for the step for cooking a dish which releases a lot of water, for example courgettes. The preparation method may provide for a step in which the closed container 1 with the courgettes inside is placed in a microwave for two minutes with the open valve means 70 (non-hermetically sealed configuration) so that the surplus steam exits from the container. After 2 minutes the valve means 70 may be closed (hermetically sealed configuration) and cooking may continue in the microwave. In this manner, the container 1 may be under depression (so-called "vacuum") and the courgettes may also be pasteurised.

Advantageously, should the container 1 comprise the means 100, when the valve means 70 are closed, the former may allow to switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non- hermetically sealed configuration as described above.

Possibly, according to a different method for preparing dishes, the container 1 may be placed in the microwave with the courgettes with the valve means 70 open. The latter may therefore remain open throughout the entire cooking period. Once through with the cooking in the microwave, the container 1 may be removed from the microwave to cool it at room temperature. During this step, the valve means 70 may be closed so that the container 1 is under depression (so-called "vacuum") and possibly allows pasteurisation.

When the so-called "vacuum" is formed, the external pressure is greater than the internal pressure. Preferably, the container 1 may therefore comprise the valve means 70 and the shaped gasket 40 (and the respective flat 22 and shaped 32 edges) with the advantages described above.

Preferably, the valve means 70 may be arranged at the lid 30. In particular, the lid 30 may comprise a seat 35 for the means 70. However, it is clear that the means 70 may also be positioned at the base 20 without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

FIGS 21 to 22B show a particular embodiment of the means 70 which comprise a rotary knob 71, while in the embodiment schematically shown in FIGS. 23A to 24 and FIG. 30 show a different embodiment of the means 70 which comprise a lever 75.

In both cases, the knob 71 and the lever 75 may be selectively actuated by the user in a per se known manner between a closed position in which they do not place the internal in fluid communication with the environment outside the container 1 (FiG. 25A and FIG. 28A) an open position in which they place the internal in fluid communication with the environment outside the container 1 (FiG. 26A and FIG. 29A).

With reference to the embodiment schematically shown in FIGS. 25A to FIG. 26B, the lid 30 may comprise a portion 35 with an operative surface 35' which may comprise one or more through holes 36 for placing the internal of the container 1 in fluid communication with the external environment.

Preferably, the portion 35 may be substantially cylindrical, while the knob may be substantially disc-shaped. It is clear that the seat 35 and the knob 71 may have different shapes. Preferably, the seat 35 and the knob 71 may be mutually shaped-counter-shaped so that the respective surfaces are in contact.

In any case, the knob 71 may comprise at least one operative surface 72 suitable to interact with the holes 36 to selectively occlude the latter.

Suitably, the knob 71 may comprise a portion 73 which includes the operative surface 72. Advantageously, the portion 73 may extend only for a section of the lower surface 71' of the knob 71 so that the latter rotates between a closed position (FIG. 25B) in which the surface 72 is at the holes 36, and an open position (FIG. 26B) in which the surface 72 is not at the holes36 for forming an interspace 70' between the surface 71' and the surface 35' so as to allow the through-flow of the air through the holes 36 from inside to outside the container 1 and/or vice versa.

Preferably, but not exclusively, there may be provided for a plurality of holes 36 so that the progressive rotation of the knob 71 corresponds to the progressive opening of several holes 36. In other words, advantageously, rotating the knob 71 may allow to adjust the inflow/the outflow of air into/from the container 1.

Possibly, the portion 35 may comprise a central hole 37. The knob 71 may comprise a circular gasket 74, for example an elastomeric ring, designed to remain interposed between the surface 71' and the surface 35' peripherally to the central hole 37 so as to occlude the latter to prevent the through-flow of air through it, and at the same time allow the rotation of the knob 71.

Suitably, the knob 71 may be snap-inserted into the central hole 37, for example by means of a pair of clips.

This characteristic may allow to prevent the de-coupling of the knob 71 from the lid 30. Furthermore, advantageously, when the knob 71 is not coupled with the lid 30, the central hole 37 may allow to introduce dishes or liquids, for example milk, oil, flavours or the like, into the container 1.

Suitably, the portion 35 may be substantially concave-shaped.

In this case, advantageously, the hole 37 may be in central position so that the concave area

35 acts as a guide element for such dishes or liquids added. With reference to the embodiment schematically shown in FIGS. 28A to 29B, the lever 75 may comprise an operative surface 76 while the seat 35 may comprise a corresponding operative surface 35' with one or more through holes 36.

The operative surfaces 35' and 76 may be mutually shaped so that when the lever 75 is in lowered position (FIG. 28B), the surface 76 is at the openings 36, while when the lever 75 is in raised position (FIG. 29B), the surface 76 is spaced from the openings 36.

Preferably, as particularly shown in FIG. 28B, the lever 75 may comprise a gasket 77, for example an elastomeric ring, arranged at the surface 76 and designed to remain interposed between the surface 76 and the surface 35'.

In this manner, when the lever 75 is lowered, the gasket 77 may surround the holes 36 (FIG. 28B) to prevent the air from flowing between the container 1 and the external, while when the lever 75 is raised, the gasket 77 may be spaced from the holes and the air may be allowed to flow through the holes 36 and therefore the inflow/outflow of air into/from the container 1.

Similarly to the above, even in this case there may be provided for a plurality of holes 36 so that the progressive raising of the lever 75 corresponds to placing the internal of the container 1 in fluid communication with external through a higher number of holes 36.

It is clear that the valve means 70 may have different configurations without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the valve means 70 may not protrude from the container 1. In particular, the valve means 70 in the closed position may be entirely housed in the seat 35 so as not to protrude with respect to the upper wall 4 of the container 1.

In this manner, advantageously, the containers 1 may be easily stacked.

Possibly, irrespective of the description outlined above, the container 1 may comprise an RFID TAG 80 to allow the traceability of the container 1 and/or of the contents.

Preferably, the RFID TAG 80 may be inserted into the container 1 through an IML (in model labelling) technique, in a per se known manner.

In the light of the above, it is clear that the invention attains the pre-set objectives.

The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the inventive concept outlined in the attached claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different depending on the technical needs, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Even though the invention has been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numerals used in the description and in the claims are meant for improving the intelligibility of the invention and thus do not limit the claimed scope of protection in any manner whatsoever.

Claims

1. A container for cooking and/or storing dishes, comprising:

- a base (20) and a lid (30); and

- means (50) for operatively coupling said lid (30) and said base (20) to keep the latter in a sealed configuration of the container so as to prevent the dishes from spilling from the latter;

- sealing means (40) designed to remain interposed between said base (20) and said lid (30) when the container is in the closed configuration; wherein said coupling means (50) are configured to allow the container to automatically switch from a hermetically sealed configuration to a non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container reaches a predetermined threshold value to allow the release of air.

2. Container according to the preceding claim, further comprising sealing elements (100) configured to allow said base (20) and said lid (30) to switch from said hermetically sealed configuration to said non-hermetically sealed configuration only when the internal pressure of the container reaches a predetermined threshold value.

3. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said sealing elements (100) are further configured to promote the return of said base (20) and said lid (30) from said non- hermetically sealed configuration to said hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container is lower than said predetermined threshold value.

4. Container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said sealing elements (100) allow to keep said lid (30) and said base (20) in said sealed configuration defining said coupling means (50).

5. Container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said coupling means (50) consist of said sealing elements (100).

6. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said threshold value is comprised between 0.05 bar and 1 bar, preferably between 0.05 bar and 0.4 bar.

7. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base (20) and said lid (30) are made of polymeric material.

8. Container according to the preceding claim, entirely made of polymeric material.

9. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base (20) and said lid (30) are movable between a mutually proximal position wherein they are in contact with said sealing means (40) to define said hermetically sealed configuration, and a mutually detached position wherein at least one of said base (20) and said lid (30) is slightly spaced from said sealing means (40) to form an interspace (101) for releasing air defining said non-hermetically sealed configuration, said sealing elements (100) being configured to allow the displacement of said base (20) and said lid (30) between said mutually proximal and distal position.

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10.Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said sealing elements (100) comprise at least one elastic element (110, 120, 130) operatively connected with said lid (30) and said base (20), said at least one elastic element (110, 120, 130) being configured to be elastically deformed when said lid (30) and said base (20) switch from said mutually proximal position to said mutually detached position when the internal pressure of the container reaches said predetermined threshold value.

11. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said lid (30) and said base (20) comprise a respective at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) configured so that the switching of said lid (30) and said base (20) from said proximal position in contact with said detached position corresponds to the moving away or approaching of said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21), and so that the switching of said lid (30) and said base (20) from said detached position to said proximal position corresponds to the approaching or moving away of said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21), said at least one elastic element (110, 120, 130) being operatively connected with the latter so as to be elastically deformed when said lid (30) and said base (20) switch from said proximal position to said detached position.

12. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said lid (30) and said base (20) comprise a respective first and second edge (32, 22) with at least one protrusion defining said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21), said at least one elastic element (110) having a first central area (113) and a pair of second and third area (111, 112) on opposite sides with respect to said first central area (113) so as to define a substantially C-shaped cross-section, said second and third area (111, 112) being designed to interact with said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) of respectively said lid (30) and said base (20) to retain the latter in said first hermetically sealed configuration, said second and third area (111, 112) being configured to mutually move away by elastic deformation when said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) switches from the proximal position to the detached position.

13. Container according to claim 11, wherein said lid (30) and said lid base (20) comprises a respective first and second substantially semi-circular appendage defining said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) designed to remain mutually facing each other when said lid (30) and said base (20) are in said first sealed configuration, said at least one elastic element (110, 120, 130) including at least one elastic ring (120) which can be positioned at said first and second appendage externally with respect thereto to retain them in proximal position, said at least one elastic ring (120) being made of elastomeric material so as to elastically extend when said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) switches from the proximal position to the detached position.

14.Container according to claim 11, wherein said lid (30) and said base (20) comprises a respective first and second shaped appendage extending externally with respect to the latter defining said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) designed to remain mutually facing each other when said lid (30) and said base (20) are in said first sealed configuration, there being provided for an operative connection stiff element (131) which can be positioned at said first and second shaped appendage (21, 31) externally with respect thereto, said operative connection stiff element (131) comprising a first and a second portion (132, 133) opposite to each other, said at least one elastic element (100) being at least one pin (130) designed to remain interposed between one of said first and second shaped appendage (21, 31) and one of said first and second portion (132, 133) so as to be elastically compressed when said at least one first and at least one second operative portion (31, 21) switches from the proximal position to the detached position.

15. Container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said sealing means (40) are configured to allow said base (20) and said lid (30) to switch from said hermetically sealed configuration to said non-hermetically sealed configuration, and to promote the return of said base (20) and said lid (30) from said non-hermetically sealed configuration to said hermetically sealed configuration at least when the internal pressure value is lower than the predetermined threshold value.

16. Container according to any one of claims 2 to the preceding, wherein said sealing elements (100) comprise said sealing means (40), the latter being deformable to allow the container to switch from said hermetically sealed configuration to said non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container reaches said predetermined threshold value.

17. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said sealing means (40) are further configured so as to allow the return of said base (20) and said lid (30) from said non-hermetically sealed configuration to said hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure value of the container is lower than said predetermined threshold value.

18. Container according to claim 16 or 17 wherein said sealing means (40) are configured to be deformed upon mutually approaching said base (20) and said lid (30) so as to increase the contact surface between the latter and said sealing means (40).

19. Container according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein when the container is in said hermetically sealed configuration, said base (20) and said lid (30) are in contact with said sealing means (40), and when the container is in said non-hermetically sealed configuration, at least one of said base (20) and said lid (30) are slightly spaced from said sealing means (40) to form a first interspace (101) for releasing air, wherein said base (20) and said lid (30) keep their mutual distance intact when the container switches between said hermetically sealed configuration and said non- hermetically sealed configuration.

20.Container according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein said lid (30) and said base (20) comprise a respective first and second edge (32, 22) mutually spaced to define a second interspace (102), said sealing means (40) including a gasket (40) arranged in said second interspace (102), said gasket (40) being configured to elastically change the thickness thereof upon the exceeding of said pressure threshold value from a first operative position in which it has a predetermined initial thickness such to occlude said second interspace (102) to obtain the hermetic sealing between said first and second edge (32, 22) defining the hermetically sealed configuration, to a second operative position in which it has a thickness smaller than said initial thickness in order to form said first interspace (101) defining said non-hermetically sealed configuration.

21. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein one of said first and second edge (32, 22) comprises a groove (38) for housing at least one first portion (43) of said gasket (40) said groove (38) including a bottom wall (34) defining a first operative surface (34), said other of said first and second edge (32, 22) comprising a second opposite operative surface (34, 24), said first and second operative surfaces mutually facing each other and both being designed to come into contact with said gasket (40).

22. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said gasket (40) has said first portion (43) having a first greater thickness (S3) and a second substantially planar portion (42) having a second smaller thickness (S4) so that said gasket (40) has an area with a substantially L-shaped crosssection, said first and second edge (32, 22) comprising a respective third and fourth operative surface (34', 24') mutually facing each other and spaced apart, said second planar portion (42) being interposed between said third and fourth operative surfaces (34', 24'), the latter having a mutual distance (d2) substantially equal to said second thickness (S4), the distance between said first and second operative surface (34, 24) being substantially smaller than said first thickness (S3).

23. Container according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said other of said first and second edge (32, 22) has a flat surface, said second and fourth operative surface (24, 24') cooperating to define said flat surface, said gasket (40) having a lower surface (41) designed to come into contact with said flat surface at least when the internal pressure is lower than the predetermined threshold value.

24.Container according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising valve means (70) to allow the inflow/outflow of air into/from said container once said lid (30) and said base (20) are in said hermetically sealed configuration, said valve means(70) being selectively actuatable by a user.

25. Container according to the preceding claim, wherein said lid (30) comprises a concave seat (35) for said valve means (70) comprising at least one through hole (36), said valve means (70) comprising an operative surface (72, 76) comprising an elastomeric ring (77), said valve means (70)

29 being selectively movable between a first position in which said elastomeric ring (77) is at said at least one through hole (36) to prevent the air from flowing into/from the container (1) and a second position in which said elastomeric ring (77) is spaced from said at least one through hole (36) to allow the air to flow into/from the container (1).

26. Container according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said lid (30) comprises a concave seat (35) for said valve means (70) comprising at least one through hole (36), said valve means (70) comprising a portion (73) with an operative surface (72), said valve means (70) being selectively rotatably movable between a first position wherein said operative surface (72) is at said at least one through hole (36) to occlude the latter and a second position in which said operative surface (72) is spaced from said at least one through hole (36) to form an interspace (70') so as to respectively not allow/allow the air to flow into/from the container (1).

27. Container according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said concave seat (35) is configured to entirely contain said valve means (70) so that the container (1) has a substantially flat upper surface (3).

28. A kit for manufacturing a container according to one or more of the preceding claims, the container comprising a base (20) and a lid (30), the kit comprising at least one first and one second sealing element (100) designed to be operatively selectively alternately coupled with said base (20) and/or said lid (30), wherein when said at least one first and one second sealing element (100) is coupled with said base (20) and/or said lid (30) it allows the container to switch from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container reaches respectively a first or a second predetermined threshold value different from each other.

29. Kit for manufacturing a container according to the preceding claim wherein said sealing elements (100) further comprising at least one first and one second portion elastic sealing element (110, 120, 130) designed to be operatively selectively alternately coupled with said base (20) and said lid (30) for sealing the latter, wherein when said at least one first or one second elastic sealing element (110, 120, 130) is coupled with said base (20) and/or said lid (30) it is configured to be elastically deformed when said lid (30) and said base (20) switch from said proximal position in contact with said detached position when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches a first or a second predetermined threshold value, so that the container switches from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container respectively takes said first or second threshold value.

30.Kit for manufacturing a container according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said sealing elements (100) further comprising at least one first and one second gasket(40) designed to be selectively alternately interposed between said base (20) and said lid (30), wherein said at least one

30 first and one second gasket (40) are configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches a first and a second predetermined threshold value, so that the container switches from the hermetically sealed configuration to the non-hermetically sealed configuration when the internal pressure of the container respectively reaches said first or second threshold value.

31. Kit according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said at least one first and one second sealing element (100) have a colour different from each other.

32. A system for preparing dishes comprising a plurality of containers (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, all of said containers (1) having the same predetermined threshold value.

33. A method for preparing dishes comprising the steps of:

- providing a container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, comprising at least one base (20) and a lid (30), said container being susceptible to automatically switch between a hermetically sealed configuration and a non-hermetically sealed configuration in which it allows to release the air upon reaching a predetermined internal pressure threshold value;

- introducing dishes to be prepared into said container (1);

- determining a maximum pressure threshold value inside said container (1);

- preparing a plurality of sealing elements (100) different from each other configured to be elastically deformed when the internal pressure of the container reaches different threshold values;

- selecting at least one sealing element (100) from said plurality according to the determined maximum pressure threshold value;

- closing said container (1) so that the latter is hermetically sealed and coupling said sealing element (100) with said base (20) and said lid (30).

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