Cooking apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A cooking apparatus combines an open top container, a lid adapted to attach to the container and an opening in the lid for placement of a venting film over the opening. The venting film and lid maintain the seal of the container, with the venting film allowing for pressure relief. The venting film can be retained over the opening using a second lid or other attachment device, or be part of the first lid. The apparatus can include additional lids to seal the container, or seal the opening in the first lid.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) from provisional application No. 60 / 606,118 filed on Sep. 1, 2004, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed to a cooking apparatus, and in particular, to an apparatus having a container and specially configured lids to allow for the use of a venting film during microwave cooking. BACKGROUND ART [0003] In the prior art, venting films and bags for microwave cooking are disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application Nos. 2004 / 0069157, 2004 / 0103989, 2005 / 0003150, and 2005 / 0040161 to Lin, each of which are herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. For example, the film in 2004 / 0103989 is designed so that when a pressure differential exists, the film becomes air and vapor permeable. It is also very common to cook food in plastic containers such as Tupperware or disposable Gladware, and their use for leftovers and reheats is prevalent in peopl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In yet another aspect of the invention, a cooking apparatus is provided that comprises a container having an open top and a first lid adapted to attach to the first container, the first lid having an opening therein. The apparatus also inclu

Problems solved by technology

One problem with disposable or other plastic containers during microwave cooking is that in order to avoid “splattering” inside the microwave oven, one must keep the lid on.

This does not work well as pressure can build up in the container and the lid can blow off.

The practicality of lifting the lid at one corner to relieve pressure does not assist in evenly heating the food product.

While vented films and bags provide a number of advantages over containers when microwave cooking, often times, it is not always practical to use the bags or film.

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