Improved sandwich-sealing device

Abstract

A sandwich sealing device with a top portion (Figure 1 – 10) and a base portion 20. The top portion has a top plate (Figure 1 – 11), a first ring of sealing features (Figure 2 – 14) that are raised out of the surface of the plate and a recess (Figure 2 – 16) within the centre of the sealing ring. The base portion has a base plate (Figure 4 – 21), a second ring of sealing features 24, where the second ring features complement the first sealing features to interlock. The base portion also has a recess 26 within the centre of the second sealing ring and an aperture 30 within the base plate. The sealing features may be pyramidal shaped. The top and base portions may be coupled by a hinge (Figure 2 – 18), 28. The base recess may be deeper than the recess in the top portion. There may also be a sealing cap that can open and close the aperture. The rings of sealing features may be removably attachable. The device may have a removable blade. The top or base portion may have a heating element within the recess.

Description

Background The present invention relates to a device for sealing sandwiches. It is noted that in this case, a sandwich refers to a food item wherein there is a filling positioned between two pieces of bread and / or toast. It is known that when transporting or consuming a sandwich there is a risk of the filling within the sandwich will leak out or otherwise fall out of the sandwich. This leaking filling may end up staining the consumer's clothing or soiling the container the sandwich is transported in. Therefore, there is a need to provide a means of producing a sandwich that does not have a risk of spilling its filling. In some cases, a consumer may have a small container such as a Tupperware tub or sandwich bag specifically for a single sandwich. This helps to prevent the sandwich from leaking into a larger container and if they are sufficiently small, they may prevent the sandwich from leaking at all as there is no space within the container. However, the problem with such devices is that they can usually only house a single sandwich at a time, meaning a user may require multiple devices at any given time. Another problem is that the sandwich may still leak within the device soiling the device, though other items or the container the device is stored in would be protected. This means the user would need to clean the device and the filling may spill out when the device is open. Another approach is to use a device that is configured to seal the edges of the sandwich, this is an improvement over the container as a single device can produce multiple sealed sandwiches, and once sealed the sandwich should have no risk of leaking when being transported. One common device that uses this method is a toastie maker, which uses a press and heat to seal the sides of a sandwich. The problem with this device is that it requires electricity to function, this means there are limited places it can be used and additional costs to be used. Other devices use complementary features to press, and crip or otherwise lock the edges of a sandwich together through mechanical force. However, it is noted that for this mechanism to work, the sandwich often needs to be recessed into the device. By having the sandwich recess the device ensures that the sealing features press down on the edges of the sandwich with sufficient force to deform and seal the edges of the sandwich. The problem with such devices is that once the sandwich is recessed into the device the user may struggle to remove it. Especially, the user risks damaging the sandwich which may cause it to leak when try to pry the sandwich out of the device. Therefore, there is a need for an improved sealing device that does not require electricity 5 and allows the user to remove a sealed sandwich easily even after multiple uses. Summary The claimed invention provides an improved device for sealing the edges of sandwiches and toasties. More specifically the claimed device is configured to seal the edges of the pieces of bread or toast of a sandwich that is placed into the device. This is desirable as it prevents the content of the sandwich from falling out when the sandwich is transported or when being consumed. The claimed invention generally comprises two parts a base portion and a top portion, the user will place the sandwich between these two portions and then apply force onto one or both portions forcing the portions together. As the base and the top are forced together the features on the surface of the portions will crip and seal the sides of the sandwich within the device. In the case of the claimed invention, both portions, the top, and the base portions of the device comprise a plate onto which force can be applied when in use. these plates are designed to be wider than the sandwich that will be placed within the device. This ensures that when force is placed over the plate the force will be evenly distributed over the entire plate and in turn the entire sandwich. This reduces the risk of either the plate or the sandwich being damaged when force is applied to the device, even after multiple uses. The portions of the device further comprise a set of sealing features. These features are raised out of the surface of the plate in the direction of the adjacent plate such that when the plates are forced together the sealing features of the top and bottom portions of the device are forced together. These features are shaped such that the features on the base plate complement the respective features on the top plate, such that when the plates are forced together the sealing features on the base and top portion interlock. In use the edges of the sandwich within the device will be positioned between the sealing feature, so that when force is applied the sealing features interlock. The edges of the sandwich would be trapped within the interlocking features thereby crimping the edges of the sandwich and sealing them. In the preferred embodiment, these sealing features would have a large surface area, as this results in the force from the interlocking features being spread over a wider area, this reduces the risk of the edges of the sandwich being torn when the plates are forced together, or when the plates are pulled apart. However, it is noted that if the surface of the feature is too wide then there may be insufficient force applied to the sandwich as the force from the plate would be dissipated over the entire area, this can result in the sandwich not being sealed on a first attempt. In contrast, the sealing features may preferably have a narrow surface to focus the force from the plate onto a smaller area thereby applying more force to the bread. This helps to ensure that the bread is crimped and thereby sealed. However, if the surface is too narrow the feature may instead act as a knife cutting the edges of the sandwich and may have a greater risk of tearing the edges of the bread when the device is opened. Because of this, there is a need for a compromise, between the features being narrow enough to crimp the bread while being wide enough to defuse the force from the bread, to not tear the sandwich as the device opens and closes. Therefore, the preferable shape for the sealing feature may comprise shapes that have narrow vertices or edges designed for crimping the sandwich in the device, to seal it, with such vertices being connected to the plate via sloped edges that provide a means to dissipate excess force applied by the device, thereby reducing the risk of the sandwich tearing. In the preferred embodiment of the claimed device, the sealing features comprise a ring that features a plurality of triangular faces that raise from the plate to form a plurality of pyramidal-shaped structures, wherein the points and vertices of these features will crimp and seal the sandwich, while the sloped sides help to prevent the sandwich from tearing by dissipating the force from the plate over a wider area when the corresponding features on the top and base plates interlock. It is noted that these rings of sealing features should be raised from the surface of their respective plate, to form a recess in between the sealing features. This is needed as the middle of the sandwich which is not crimped by the sealing features will be wider than the crimped regions. Therefore, without this recess, the whole sandwich would be pressed by the plates, potentially causing the sandwich to leak or rupture when the plates are pressed together. However, as previously noted the problem caused by such a recess is that the sandwich within the device may become stuck within the recess requiring the user to pry the sandwich from the device, potentially damaging the sandwich. Therefore, there is a need to provide a means for safely removing the recessed sandwich. To this end the plates of the claimed device are designed such that the recess in the base plate is deeper relative to the top plate, this helps to ensure that if the sandwich does recess into a plate it recesses into the base plate. Then the plate of the base plate will further comprise an aperture, that provides an opening through the plate. This opening means that the user may apply force through the opening of the aperture to push the sandwich out of the recess, allowing it to be removed safely from the device. It is noted that this opening is preferably on the base plate, as the user will likely apply force to the top plate when the device is used, therefore, if the opening is on the top plate there is a risk the user may press through the opening thereby rupturing or otherwise damaging the sandwich within the device when it is closed. It is also noted that in some cases, the plate may include a cover that can be used to controllably seal the aperture when it is not needed thereby avoiding the risk of rupturing the sandwich as described above when the plates are forced together. The device also comprises a set of hinges coupled to one edge of each plate, such that the hinges on the corresponding plates can be coupled together, thereby locking the edge of the plates together while still allowing the plates to be actuated, via rotation about the hinges. This allows the user to open and close the device without the risk of dropping the plate they are actuating and may make the task of pressing the plate easier as the rotation movement of the actuated plate would require less force compared to vertically lifting or pressing the plates. Not that in the preferred embodiment of the invention said hinge extends away from the center of the plate, and bends away from the plate. This design increases the amount of space between the plates when the device is open, providing the user with more room to place their hand when removing the sandwich from the device, reducing the risk of trapping their fingers within the hinge. Additionally, due to this additional spacing, when the device is actuated, and the plates are rotated toward each other, the relative angle between the plates will be reduced before they apply force to the sealing features. This means that the plate will be near parallel, or at least be closer to being parallel before they apply any force to the sandwich within the device, this means that the force from the sealing features will be spread over a larger area when the plates initially meet. In comparison, if a smaller hinge was used the edge with the hinge would close first applying all the plate’s force to that edge of the sandwich, thereby increasing the risk of that edge of the sandwich tearing. The claimed invention may also comprise a removable blade, that is shaped to fit around the outer edges of the sealing features. Such a blade would be configured to cut off the parts of the sandwich that extend beyond the sealed portions of the sandwich. In most cases, this may be used to remove the crust of the bread used to make the sandwich as it is being sealed. Further removing any excess bread outside of the sealed portion helps to prevent the seal from being torn open when the sandwich is being transported, as these unsealed portions may pry and tear the seal around the sandwich. In some cases, the device may comprise an external housing, wherein the plate forms the base of the housing, and the housing further comprises vertical walls that form a recess which will house the sealing features and blades. In these cases, the sealing features would be removable from the device such that the user may clean the sealing features more easily, and should the sealing feature become worn or damaged the user may remove the sealing features entirely and replace them without needing to replace the entire device. It is noted that in the preferred embodiment, as the features in the base plate are raised more than the features on the top plate, only the base plate comprises a housing with vertical walls, with the top plate acting as a lid, or top to the housing. It is noted that in some cases, the housing may include support structures, and / or feet under the base plate to reduce the risk of damage to the base plate and / or housing after repeated uses. Additionally, these features would prevent the device from damaging the surface it is placed upon during use. It is noted that the housing around the plates may be made of different materials. In particular, the housing around the base plate may be made from a rigid polymer, or plastic, such that the housing provides sufficient strength to withstand the force acting upon it, while also being easy to clean. The preferred plastic is high density polyethylene (HDPE). This is shown to have a good dimensional stability, so as to avoid distortion in use. In particular, using the same plastic for the plate and for the housing is advantageous as the differential thermal expansion and contraction is avoided and this can avoid distortion of the products in use. In particular, an issue with such products is that they can become dimensionally distorted and failed to seal and operate properly. This is addressed by making the housing in the plate of the same plastic in particular preferably HDPE. Additionally, such materials have the benefit of being produced in different colors, as some user would require the device’s color to match their other utensils or their kitchen. In contrast, the housing around the top plate may be made from rubber, or a similar soft material. This is preferable as the user will be applying force to the top plate, so this softer material will reduce the force exerted on the user’s hand thereby reducing the risk of the user being injured after repeatably using the device. It is noted that the sealing features may be made from a hard polymer, a metal, or an alloy. The polymer may be preferable as they will be easier to clean, and would not have a risk of rusting. However, it is noted that the sealing features made from a polymer may be more brittle than one made of metal, meaning that there is a greater risk of the features wearing or breaking after repeated uses. If the sealing features are removable the user may use either material based on their preferences. The preferred hard polymer is high density polyethylene (HDPE). This is shown to have a good dimensional stability, so as to avoid distortion in use is hygienic and enables effective an release surface which is bisphenol A (BPA) free, i.e. it is achieved without BPA inclusion. In some cases, the device may be configured to heat the sandwich within the device. In these cases, the sealing features would be made from a metal or ally that can conduct heat, while being strong enough to crimp the sandwich within. In these cases, the housing, or at least the outer surface of the housing would be made from a heat-resistant polymer such that the housing would be insulated when the sandwich within the device is heated, allowing the user to still handle the device without the risk of being burned. In contrast, the inside of the housing may be made of a conductive material such that the entire sandwich can be heated evenly. Note that these embodiments of the device can be heated by placing the device within a suitable heating device such as an oven, air fryer, or toaster. In such cases, the aperture in the base plate would allow the inside of the device to be heated while the housing remains insulated. In other cases, the sealing features and / or housing may comprise a heating element that can be powered by a suitable power source such as a battery or mains like a toaster, allowing the device itself to heat and toast the sandwich within the device. Detailed Description The present invention is presented within the following figures: Figure 1 - depicts the outside surface of the top portion of the device Figure 2 - depicts the inside surface of the top portion of the device Figure 3 - depicts the outside surface of the base / bottom portion of the device Figure 4 - depicts the inside surface of the base / bottom portion of the device The figures comprise the following features, please note that like features are represented by like reference numerals: 10 - top portion of the device 11 - top plate 12 - padded housing 14 - sealing feature 16- recess 18 - top plate hinge 20 - base portion of the device 21 - top plate 22 - outer housing 23 - support structure 24 - sealing feature 26 - recess 28 - top plate hinge 29 - base foot 30 - plate aperture The present invention provides a device configured to seal the edges of a sandwich placed within the device. This is achieved by pressing together a pair of plates over the sandwich within the device. Wherein each plate comprises a sealing feature that is configured to interlock with the corresponding feature on the other plate. Once interlocked the sealing features crimp the edges of the sandwich thereby sealing the edges of the sandwich. The claimed invention further comprises an aperture in one of the plates to allow the user to more easily remove the sandwich from the device. Figures 1 to 4 depict the preferred embodiment of this invention: Figures 1 and 2 depict the outer surface and inner surface of the top portion 10 of the device. In the depicted example the top portion comprises a top plate 11, in use the user would press on this plate 11 to apply force to the sandwich in the device. On the inside of the plate 11 there is a plurality of sealing features 14 that are raised out of the plane of the plate 11, such that the features form a ring or square that is shaped to follow the edges of the sandwich within the device. Note that the ring of sealing features surrounds a recess 16 in the center of the plate 11 that is used to house the sandwich, such that when the plate 11 is actuated it does not flatten the entire sandwich only the edges to be sealed. This prevents the filling from being squeezed out of the sandwich before the sides can be sealed. Note that the plate 11 extends beyond the ring formed by the sealing features 14. This allows the force exerted onto the plate 11 to be dissipated over a larger area, thereby reducing the amount of force applied to the individual sealing features 14. This can reduce the amount of wear on the sealing feature 14 and reduces the risk said feature breaking when the device is used. Additionally, as the force from the plate 11 is spread evenly over the sealing features 14, this design can also reduce the risk of the sandwich within the device tearing. Similarly, the sealing features 14 depicted in the preferred embodiment need to be shaped such that the device will apply force to the edges of the sandwich placed within the device, wherein said force need to be high enough to crimp and seal the edges of the sandwich, but not so high as to tear or cut the sandwich. To this end the preferred embodiment of the sealing features 14 comprise the pyramidal shaped members as depicted in Figure 2. It is noted that the points and vertices of these members would apply sufficient force to seal the sandwich, and as the force is spread over a small area it will deform, or crimp, the edges of the sandwich to ensure they remain sealed when removed from the device. However, the large sloped sides of the members help to dissipate any additional force exerted by the device and will allow the sandwich to slide off of the members more easily, this helps to prevent the sandwich from tearing when the device is opened or closed. It is also noted that the outer surface of the top plate 11 may include a cover or housing made of rubber, or another suitable soft material. This cover acts as padding that is configured to support and protect the user’s hand when operating the device. More specifically, when the device is in use, the user will likely use their hand to apply force to the top portion 10 of the device, by including the padding 12 as described above less stain will be exerted onto the user’s hands. This reduces the risk of the user injuring their hand, especially after repeated uses of the device, and may also protect the top plate 11 from wear. It is noted that the simplest form for the base portion would be a mirror of the top portion 10 as depicted in figures 1 and 2. However, the problem with such an embodiment is that the recess 16 in the top portion 10 is not deep enough to hold the sandwich being sealed. This means there is a risk of the sandwich sliding out the device. Also, the narrow recess may flatten the sandwich as the device is pressed shut causing the filling of the sandwich to leak from the edges of the sandwich before they can be sealed. Therefore, there is a need for a more suitable design for the base portion of the device. Figure 3 and 4 depict the preferred embodiment for the base portion 20 of the device. Note that this portion also features a flat base, or plate 21, with the same sealing features 24 rising from the inner surface of the plate 21. However, in the base portion 20 the sealing features 24 are raised to a higher height relative to the base plate 21, thereby creating a deeper recess 26, compared to the recess 16 in the top portion 10. This means that in use the sandwich being sealed can be housed within the recess 26 of the base portion 20 with less risk of the sandwich sliding out, or being flattened by the device. It is noted that this deeper recess 26 may result in the sandwich becoming stuck within the device. In such cases, the user may need to pry the sandwich free, likely by passing a knife or other member between the sides of the sealing features 24 and the sandwich. However, this could result in the sandwich tearing or rupturing. To help overcome this problem, the base plate 21 includes an aperture 30 through the surface of the plate. Wherein after using the device, the user can apply force directly to the sandwich though the aperture 30, this force may be applied using their hand or a suitable member, allowing the user to lift the sandwich out of the recess 26. Also noted that the device may comprise a cap, or lid, that may be used to close the aperture 30 when the device is in use, to ensure the sandwich does not leak through the aperture 30 when being pressed by the device. It can also be seen in the figure that the base portion 20 comprises a housing 22 that comprises a series of walls that surround the sealing features 24. In particular, these walls raise above the sealing features 24, such that the wall can be used to prevent the sandwich sliding once it is placed within the device. It is also noted that these walls can help prevent the filling of the sandwich from leaking out of the device as the sandwich is pressed by the device. It can also be seen in Figure 4, that there is a plurality of supports 23 between the base plate 21 and the surrounding walls. These support structures 23 help to support the sealing features 24 to prevent wear or damage to the features when they are under pressure from the top portion 10 of the device. Similarly, the depicted example comprises a foot 29 on the outer surface of the base portion 20. More specifically, there is a raised surface that covers the outside surface of the base plate 21. This raised surface acts as a foot that helps to dissipate the force exerted onto the device when in use, into the surface the device is resting upon. The use of such feet 29 helps to reduce the risk of damage to the base plate 21, and the surface the base portion 20 is placed upon, when the device is used. It is also noted that the device may comprise multiple separate feet, however a continuous foot like the one depicted may act as padding if the user chooses to apply force to both the top and bottom portions 10,20 of the device. Lastly, both portions 10,20 of the device comprise a plurality of hinges 18,28, the hinges 18 on the first portion 10 of the device can be coupled with the respective hinges 28 on the second portion 20 of the device, to couple the portions 10,20 together while still permitting the portions 10,20 to be actuated, via rotations about the hinges 18,28. By joining the portions of the device together, the use reduces the risk of the portions 10,20 of the device sliding apart when in use. This also prevent the risk of the user losing a portion 10,20 of the device when the device is not in use as the two portions cannot become completely separated. Note that in the depicted example the hinges 18,28 extend beyond the edges of the plates 11,21. This extra length between the plates 11,21 and the joint of the hinges 18,28 allow the portions of the device to open wider, and allows the device to have space around all the edges of the plate 11,21 when the device is open allowing the use to reach all sides of the sandwich within the device. Additionally, these longer hinges 18,28 also allow the plates 11,21 to rotate through a wider angle before the sealing features 14,24 meet. More specifically, the longer hinges 18,28 allow the plates 11,21 to be substantially, or near parallel before the sealing features 14,24 act on the sandwich in the device. This allows force to be applied to all sides of the sandwich at once, rather than acting on the side closest to the hinges 18,28 first, this reduces the risk of the filling being squeezed out of the sandwich before the sides can be sealed. It is noted that the claimed invention may comprise additional features that are not depicted. For example, in some cases, the portions 10,20 may be configured to controllably release the sealing features 14,24, such that the sealing features can be removed and replaced. In some cases, one or both portions 10,20 may include a heating element configured to toast the sandwich as it is sealed. This heating element may be powered by a battery contained in the housing 22 of the device, or an external power source. There may also be a removable knife configured to be placed around the outer edge of the sealing features 14,24, to cut off the crust and any excess portion of the sandwich which rests outside of the sealed edges. The outer surface of the top portion 10 may also comprise grooves or other surface features that increases the friction between the surface and the object applying force to the device, thereby preventing the device from sliding when force is applied. By using a device as described above a user has a means for sealing a sandwich that reduces the risk of a sandwich filling leaking or otherwise escaping a sandwich, additionally, the claimed invention provides an improved means of removing the sandwich after it has been sealed further reducing the risk of the sandwich leaking, and removing the risk of the sealed edges rupturing as the sandwich is removed from the device.

Claims

1. A sandwich sealing device comprising a top portion and a base portion, wherein;the top portion comprises:a top plate;a first ring of sealing features that are raised out of the surface of the plate; and a recess within the center of the first ring of sealing features;the base portion comprises:a base plate;a second ring of sealing features that are raised out of the surface of the plate; wherein the second sealing features are configured to complement the first sealing features such that the first and second sealing features can be interlocked;a recess within the center of the second ring of sealing features; and an aperture within the base plate.

2. The sandwich sealing device of claim 1, wherein the first and second sealing features comprise a plurality of pyramidal-shaped structures.

3. The sandwich sealing device of claims 1 and 2, wherein the top portion and base portion comprise a hinge configured to couple the top and base portions together.

4. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein the recess of the base portion is deeper than the recess of the top portion.

5. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises a sealing cap, configured to controllably open and close the aperture in the base plate.

6. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein the edges of the top plate and base plate extend beyond the ring of sealing features.

7. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein the top portion includes padding on the surface of the plate, opposite the surface with the sealing features.

8. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim, wherein the ring of sealing features is configured to be removably attached to their respective plate.

9. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a removable blade, that is configured to fit around the outer edge of the ring of sealing features of one of the plates, in this case the outer edge refers to the edge facing away from the recess.

10. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a housing, wherein the housing is configured to contain at least one of the top portion or base portion of the device.

11. The sandwich sealing device of claim 9, wherein the housing contains the base portion of the device and further comprises a support structure configured to support the base plate.

12. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein the base portion comprises one or more feet, configured to support the device, wherein the feet are couple to the side of the base plate opposite the sealing feature.

13. The sandwich sealing device of any preceding claim wherein at lease one of the top portion or base portion comprises a heating element within the recess of the portion, configured to heat the sandwich in the device.

14. The sandwich sealing device of claim 12, wherein the device comprises a power source for the heating element.

15. A method of using the sandwich sealing device of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of placing a sandwich into the recess of one of the portions, placing;placing the top portion over the base portion such that the sealing features of the first portion align with the corresponding sealing feature on the second portion;applying force to at least one of the top plate and / or base plate to push the portions of the device together;separating the top and base portions of the device; andapply force through the aperture in the base plate to lift the sandwich out of the recess.15

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