Container for Packaging and for Cooking or Warming Up of Foodstuffs in a Microwave Oven

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a specially designed food container that serves both as packaging for foodstuffs (such as instant meals) and as a vessel for cooking or warming that food in a microwave oven. The container features two interlocking sections that slide apart under steam pressure created during microwave heating, providing a controlled release of steam. This sliding expansion not only enables gentle steam cooking but also gives a clear visual indicator of cooking progress. The container is ideally produced from recyclable materials and includes a vapor release opening that is automatically uncovered as the container expands.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Microwaveable instant meal packaging for retail sale
• Cooking ready-made or instant meals directly in their packaging at home or work
• Steam-cooking of vegetables, rice, or similar foods in a controlled way
• Hospital or institutional catering where food is cooked in its package for hygiene and convenience
• Convenient meal preparation for students, office workers, or travelers

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables both packaging and microwave steam-cooking in one container, reducing need for extra cookware
• Provides a gentle steam-cooking method, preserving nutrients and flavor
• Offers a clear visual indicator of cooking progress for user confidence and convenience
• Reduces risk of pressure-related accidents by automatic and gradual steam release through a designed opening
• Environmentally friendly design, with recyclable cardboard and coatings
• Cost-efficient, simple construction compared to complex multi-part alternatives
• Potential for customized or branded printing for product differentiation

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A container (10) for packaging foodstuffs and for cooking or warming up said foodstuffs in a microwave oven is shown. The container (10) comprises: a first container portion (12) and a second container portion (22), each of said first and second container portions (12, 22) comprising a corresponding first or second end surface (14, 24) and a corresponding first and second wall part (16, 26), wherein said first and second wall parts (16, 26) comprise first and second engaging sections (20, 26), respectively, wherein said first engaging section (20) of the first wall part is configured to engage with said second engaging section (26) of the second wall part in a close fit that allows a sliding movement of the first and second container portions (12, 22) relative to each other, provides a sufficient degree of fluid tightness, and provides a predetermined degree of friction defining a corresponding vapor pressure to be developed inside the container (10) upon heating in said microwave oven causing the first and second container portions (12, 22) to move apart. An opening (28) is provided in one of the first and second engaging sections (20, 26), which opening is covered by the other of the first and second engaging sections (20, 26) when the first and second container portions (12, 22) are in a pushed-together state, and which is at least partially exposed when the first and second container portions (12, 22) are in an extended state, wherein the volume of the container (10) in the extended state exceeds the volume of the container (10) in the pushed-together state by at least 10%.