Patent Application
20230286726
The present invention involves adding the functionality of a colander or strainer to produce containers, such as microwavable bags or pouches, which are used to hold food items, such as fruit or vegetables, which are then placed in a microwave for cooking or thawing. The present invention of adding a perforated area with a cover will allow for the easy draining or straining of liquid which accumulates after cooking from the container while also providing an easy method of releasing accumulated steam after the container has been used for cooking its enclosed food product.
Vegetables, fruit, meat, and poultry products contain naturally occurring water, which freezes when these products are frozen. Many of these food products are packaged in plastic bags or pouches which are designed to go from the freezer to the microwave for cooking. Once the cooking process is finished, the bag not only contains the hot product, but also hot steam and residual moisture and liquid released from the product, in the form of a liquid. The steam is released once the bag is cut open, but the liquid remains with the product, and needs to be separated, before the product can be eaten, seasoned, or used in a recipe. A colander or slotted spoon can be used, but that adds another item which will need to be cleaned after use, or there may not be a colander or slotted spoon available.
The problem with existing containers is that they only allow for the simultaneous removal of the contents of the container, both solid and liquid, upon being opened. Typically, a container, such as a bag of frozen vegetables, is placed in a microwave for cooking or thawing. When microwaving is complete the bag now contains the vegetables and any moisture and liquids which have accumulated. It is desirable to keep the vegetables and discard the liquid so other ingredients, such as seasoning or butter, can be added without being diluted. There is no means to allow for the drainage of the liquids while keeping the vegetables contained in the bag. One must either cut a hole in the bag for drainage or use a colander or slotted spoon to accomplish separating the liquid from the vegetables, which causes the produce to cool instead of remaining hot.
The intention of the invention is to allow for the easy drainage of liquid and moisture which accumulates or remains after the thawing, heating, or cooking of a food product, without loss of product, by the addition of a covered perforated area to the packaging of food products. The invention facilitates the separation of liquid from thawed or cooked food products without the use of additional tools or devices. The packaging containers may be disposable or reusable and will be produced with the perforated area covered and sealed during the manufacturing process.
The present invention is the addition of a perforated area with a coordinating cover to food product packaging during the manufacturing process of the packaging.
The cover of the perforated area will be removed after thawing, cooking, or steaming of food product is completed, to release the steam, and the packaging lifted so accumulated liquid and moisture can drain out of the packaging while keeping the contents secure.
The perforated area will be designed corresponding to the size of the packaging and to meet the draining requirements of the food product being packaged. The perforated area will vary in size, shape, and placement on the packaging, and is comprised of holes, punctures, or slits, in varying sizes, shapes, and quantities, depending upon the requirements of the food product being packaged.
The cover of the perforated area is coordinated with the perforated area in size, shape, and location on the packaging, and will extend beyond the limits of the perforated area to allow for a closure or seal around the perimeter of the perforated area.
The closure or seal will be sealed at the time of manufacture and will remain sealed until the consumer is ready to expose the perforated area after thawing, cooking, or steaming is completed.
Typically, when the packaging is disposable, the closure or seal will not be re-sealable. Typically, when the packaging is re-useable, the closure or seal will be re-sealable. The cover will be easily separated from the packaging by the consumer after thawing, cooking, or steaming is completed and may be fully removeable or remain partially attached to the packaging. A small tab or lifting area may be incorporated into the cover for ease of lifting the cover.
The following drawings demonstrate an example of a perforated area with its cover shown pulled open. The drawings are a representation of one type of container, with rectangular perforated area and cover, and are not necessarily to scale. They are not intended to limit the possibilities of the types of containers, shape or size of perforated area, type of cover closure, or types of products contained.
The following drawings depict the embodiment of the invention with no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. In contrast, the intent is to reveal any alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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