Container for microwave cooking

Abstract

To provide a very practical container for microwave oven cooking which has never existed before.SOLUTION: A microwave oven cooking vessel for accommodating a foodstuff P and heating and cooking the foodstuff P in a microwave oven includes a vessel body 1 having an upper opening 1a, a water-passing hole-equipped member 3 installed at an upper opening edge of the vessel body 1, and a lid body 2 fitted to the upper opening 1a of the vessel body 1, wherein a water-receiving space 5 is formed between the lid body 2 and the water-passing hole-equipped member 3 when the vessel body 1 is turned upside down in a state where the water-passing hole-equipped member 3 is disposed. One or both of the lid body 2 and the member 3 with the water passing hole are provided with a water passing part 6 capable of discharging the water of the water receiving space part 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microwave cooking container. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a microwave cooking container (hereinafter referred to as "conventional example") disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 7-20121 has been proposed as a cooking tool for storing food ingredients and cooking them in a microwave oven.

[0003] This conventional example consists of a container body with an upper opening, a member with water holes that is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the container body and on which food ingredients are placed, and a lid that is fitted over the upper opening of the container body.A ground-contact protrusion is provided on the underside of the member with water holes, and when this plate with water holes is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the container body, a water-receiving space is formed below the plate with water holes to distribute water for steaming.

[0004] In fact, when cooking (steaming) in a microwave oven using the conventional example, food is placed on the member with water passage holes and water for steaming is placed in the water receiving space. When the microwave oven is heated in this state, the water in the water receiving space turns into steam and passes up through the member with water passage holes, and this steam steams the food on the member with water passage holes. Note that some food contains enough moisture to be steamed, in which case the amount of water for steaming placed in the water receiving space is adjusted in advance as appropriate, to either none or a small amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-20121 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the conventional example, the water vapor that fills the container during the aforementioned cooking process turns into water droplets as the temperature drops, but these water droplets can be received in the water receiving space by passing down through the water holes in the member with water holes.Therefore, unlike when the food is placed directly on the inner bottom surface of the container body, the presence of the member with water holes prevents the food from becoming immersed in water.

[0007] However, in the conventional example, after cooking, when the lid is removed to remove the food from the container body and transfer it to dishes, or when the container body is used as a dish to eat the cooked food, in either case, if the container body is shaken or tilted, the water that accumulates in the water receiving space can cause the food to become wet (making it soggy and affecting the taste and texture).

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a highly practical microwave cooking container that has not previously existed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The gist of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] This microwave cooking container is for storing food ingredients P and cooking them in a microwave oven, and comprises a container body 1 having an upper opening 1a, a member 3 with water passage holes that is installed on the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and a lid body 2 that is fitted over the upper opening 1a of the container body 1.When the container body 1 is inverted with the member 3 with water passage holes in place, the space between the lid body 2 and the member 3 with water passage holes forms a water receiving space 5, and either or both of the lid body 2 and the member 3 with water passage holes are provided with a water passage portion 6 that allows water from the water receiving space 5 to be drained.

[0011] Furthermore, in the microwave cooking container described in claim 1, the member 3 with water passage holes has a flange portion 3a on its peripheral edge that engages with the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and the member 3 with water passage holes is configured to be installed at a position a predetermined distance below the upper opening of the container body 1 by the flange portion 3a, and when the lid body 2 is fitted into the upper opening 1a of the container body 1, its inner surface abuts against the flange portion 3a of the inner plate body 3 with water passage holes, and the water passage portion 6 is configured by providing an opening recess 6a in either or both of the flange portion 3a and the abutment portion 2a that abuts against the flange portion 3a.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a microwave cooking container as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an annular wall portion 2b is provided on the peripheral portion of the lid body 2, and the annular wall portion 2b is configured to surround the upper outer surface of the container body 1 when the lid body 2 is fitted into the upper opening 1a of the container body 1.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an annular ridge 4a is provided on the outer surface of the lid 2.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that an annular ridge 4a is provided on the outer surface of the lid 2.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an annular groove 4b is provided on the inner surface of the lid 2.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that an annular groove 4b is provided on the inner surface of the lid 2.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in claim 4, characterized in that an annular groove 4b is provided on the inner surface of the lid 2.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a microwave cooking container as set forth in claim 5, characterized in that an annular groove 4b is provided on the inner surface of the lid 2. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention is configured as described above, and unlike the conventional examples mentioned above, it is an unprecedented and very practical microwave cooking container that can prevent food from getting wet after cooking, which could lead to a deterioration in taste and texture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a member 3 with water passage holes according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the use state of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below, illustrating the operation of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The most typical case in which cooking (for example, steaming) is performed in a microwave oven using the present invention is as follows.

[0023] For example, cooked rice P (cooked rice) is stored in the container body 1, and the lid body 2 is fitted over it to perform a freezing process (a member 3 with water holes may be installed on the container body 1 during this freezing process).

[0024] When defrosting (cooking by heating), the lid 2 is removed, the member 3 with water holes is placed over the container body 1, the lid 2 is fitted over it, and the container body 1 is turned upside down so that the rice P is placed on the member 3 with water holes.A small amount of water for steaming is poured into the water receiving space 5, and when the lid 2 is placed in this state so that it is on the ground and the microwave oven is heated, the water in the water receiving space 5 turns into steam and passes up through the member 3 with water holes, and the rice P on the member 3 with water holes is steamed by this steam.

[0025] After cooking in this microwave oven, water droplets generated within the container body 1 pass down through the member with water holes 3 and fall into the water receiving space 5, but in the present invention, when the container is tilted upside down, the water in the water receiving space 5 can be drained (drained) through the water passing portion 6 provided on either or both of the lid 2 and the member with water holes 3. At this time, the water drained from the water receiving space 5 through the water passing portion 6 does not pass through the space within the container body 1 where the cooked rice P is placed on the member with water holes 3, so the food material P does not get wet.

[0026] Thereafter, the container body 1 is returned to its normal upward position, and for example, the lid body 2 and the member 3 with water holes are removed from the container body 1, and the food material P can be eaten as it is using the container body 1 as tableware, and even in this state, the rice P can be eaten deliciously without being wet with water collected in the water receiving space part 5 during cooking, which will deteriorate the taste and texture. [Example]

[0027] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] This embodiment is a microwave cooking container for storing food materials P and cooking them in a microwave oven, and comprises a container body 1 having an upper opening 1a, a member 3 with water holes that is installed around the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and a lid 2 that is placed on the outside of the member 3 with water holes that is installed on the container body 1 and fits over the upper opening 1a of the container body 1. Note that the food materials P that are cooked in the microwave cooking container of this embodiment include frozen rice (cooked rice) described below, as well as cooking ingredients such as vegetables and meat, and already-cooked food.

[0029] Each component of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0030] The container body 1 is formed from an appropriate synthetic resin material (polypropylene) as shown in Figures 1 to 4, and has an upper opening 1a that is approximately rectangular in plan view (approximately a square with four rounded corners), and its outer shape is bowl-shaped (deep bowl-shaped) and curves downward from the upper opening 1a.

[0031] To go further into the shape of the container body 1, it has been designed with consideration given to its use as tableware, i.e., it is easy to hold when eating and has a beautiful appearance that does not look out of place when placed on a dining table. It is also easy to wash, and is a shape that allows for good upside-down cooking, as described below.Furthermore, like the lid body 2 and member 3 with water passage holes, which will be described later, it is a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above, and therefore has excellent storage properties, allowing for efficient and orderly placement that does not take up much space, for example, when placed in a refrigerator.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to make the external shape of the container body 1 more similar to tableware (rice bowls), the flanges (ribs) and beading that are normally provided on this type of article (containers with lids) are not provided on the upper outer surface. These flanges (ribs) and beading are provided particularly for the purpose of ensuring the strength of the upper opening 1a in resin products and for the purpose of engaging the locking claws 2e that are provided on the lid 2 to maintain the closed state, but in this embodiment, as described above, the outer shape of the container body 1 is shaped to slope outward as it approaches the top (the diameter of the container body 1 is larger as it approaches the top, and the wall thickness of the container body 1 itself is thicker as it approaches the top), so that the strength of the upper opening 1a is ensured without providing flanges (ribs) or beading, and the locking claws 2e can be caught.

[0033] The container body 1 is also provided with a square annular grounding protrusion 1b having a predetermined diameter at the center of the outer bottom surface.

[0034] Therefore, this grounding protrusion 1b ensures a stable grounding state of the container body 1, and when placed on another microwave cooking container (lid body 2), the grounding protrusion 1b is arranged within the annular rib 4 (recess surrounded by annular ridges 4a) provided on the outer surface of the lid body 2 described below, resulting in a stable stacked state that is less likely to shift sideways (see Figure 6).

[0035] As will be described later, the member 3 with water-permeable holes is a cooking rack that divides the inside of the container body 1 into upper and lower sections, has water permeability in the vertical direction, and has a food-placing surface 3A.

[0036] Specifically, the member 3 with water passage holes is formed from an appropriate transparent (or translucent) synthetic resin member (polypropylene) that has optical transparency, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, and is approximately rectangular in plan view (approximately a square with four rounded corners), and is transparent (or translucent) along with the lid body 2 described below, so that the food material P stored in the container body 1 can be seen.

[0037] The member 3 with water passage holes has a peripheral wall 3b that rises from the inner surface at its peripheral edge, and the member 3 with water passage holes is formed in the shape of a shallow tray.

[0038] In addition, the member 3 with water passage holes has a flange 3a that protrudes horizontally outward from its peripheral edge, which is the peripheral edge of the upper opening of the peripheral wall 3b, and this flange 3a is arranged to be placed and engaged in close contact with the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and the member 3 with water passage holes is configured to be suspended via this flange 3a at a position a predetermined distance below the upper opening of the container body 1 (configuration that divides the inside of the container body 1 into upper and lower sections).

[0039] Therefore, when this member 3 with water passage holes is installed on the container body 1, water is prevented from entering or exiting the container body 1 from areas other than the water passage holes 3c described below.

[0040] Furthermore, an open recess 6a is provided on the upper surface of each of the four corners of the flange 3a, and these open recesses 6a are configured as water passage sections 6 that open inward and outward between the flange 3a and the abutting section 2a of the lid 2, which will be described later, and allow water to be discharged from the water receiving space 5, which will be described later. The open recess 6a may be provided only in the lid 2 (abutting section 2a), or may be provided in both the flange 3a and the abutting section 2a.

[0041] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the member 3 with water passage holes has first rib portions 3' that are convexly curved outward and second rib portions 3'' that are convexly curved inward, which are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each rib so that they are alternately continuous.

[0042] Therefore, a groove-like space is formed between the member 3 with water holes (the foodstuff placing surface 3A consisting of the upper surface of each second rib portion 3") and the foodstuff P placed on the member 3 with water holes, and heat (water vapor) is transferred in this groove-like space, resulting in good cooking. In addition, since the surface also exhibits a water-receiving function, water droplets are less likely to form on the foodstuff P. Furthermore, since the foodstuff placing surface 3A is wavy, water drains well and the unevenness makes it less likely for the foodstuff P to remain. Moreover, if the foodstuff P is, for example, rice P, it will not become sticky when heated.

[0043] In addition, when the member with water passage holes 3 is facing upward (as shown in Figures 1 and 4), the top surface of the first row portion 3' (the inner bottom surface which is the lower position of the first row portion 3' when the member with water passage holes 3 is facing downward (as shown in Figure 5)) is provided with a slit-shaped water passage hole 3c which has a length in the longitudinal direction of each row and which is approximately transverse to the food material placing surface 3A.

[0044] In addition, when the member 3 with water passage holes is facing downwards, the food material placing surface 3A located on the upper side is provided as a concave curved surface that becomes lower from the left and right sides of each longitudinal direction of each row towards the center (see Figures 1 and 5).

[0045] Therefore, when food material P is placed on the member with water-passage holes 3 (inverted state with the member with water-passage holes 3 facing downwards), the food material placing surface 3A (the top surface of the second rib portion 3", the inner bottom surface of the first rib portion 3' and the water-passage holes 3c) located on the upper side of the inverted member with water-passage holes 3 becomes a concave curved surface, so water droplets can be collected in the center and flow down smoothly from the water-passage holes 3c, and moreover, food material P can be placed stably on the member with water-passage holes 3, and furthermore, because the water-passage holes 3c are arranged in one direction, it is easy to wash.

[0046] The lid body 2 is formed from an appropriate transparent (or translucent) synthetic resin material (polypropylene) that has optical transparency, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, and is approximately rectangular in plan view (approximately a square with four rounded corners).Since it is transparent (or translucent) along with the aforementioned member 3 with water passage holes, the food material P stored in the container body 1 can be seen.

[0047] The lid 2 has a peripheral edge provided with an annular wall 2b that rises from the inner surface of the lid 2.

[0048] This annular wall portion 2b is configured to surround the outer surface of the upper portion of the container body 1 when the lid body 2 is fitted over the upper opening 1a of the container body 1.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, due to the shape of the container body 1 as described above, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the annular wall portion 2b and the upper outer surface of the container body 1, and when the container body 1 is turned upside down, a moat-like groove portion 7 is formed around the container body 1 between the lid body 2 and the container body 1.

[0050] The recessed groove portion 7 functions to receive water that is generated during cooking and discharged from the water passage portion 6, thereby preventing the water from boiling over to the outside.

[0051] When the lid 2 is fitted over the upper opening 1a of the container body 1, the contact portion 2a on the inner surface comes into close contact with the flange portion 3a of the inner plate 3 with water passage holes.

[0052] Therefore, water can enter and exit the water receiving space 5 through the water passing portion 6, but water is prevented from entering and exiting the water receiving space 5 from any portion other than the water passing portion 6. As mentioned above, the water passing portion 6 is configured by providing an open recess 6a in the flange portion 3a of the member 3 with water passage holes, but it may also be provided at a predetermined position on the abutting portion 2a of the lid 2 or on both sides.

[0053] Furthermore, the lid 2 has a tapered water outlet 2c in communication with the recessed groove 7 at one of its four corners.

[0054] Therefore, when the container is tilted so that the water outlet portion 2c is on the bottom side, the water in the water receiving space portion 5 is discharged from the water passing portion 6 and then poured out from the water outlet portion 2c, and the water discharged from the water passing portion 6 can be efficiently poured out in any direction by the water outlet portion 2c.

[0055] The water outlet 2c can also be used to pour water for steaming into the water receiving space 5 through the water passage 6 before cooking (see FIG. 7). The water outlet 2c may be provided at all four corners.

[0056] In addition, at the center of the cover 2, an annular rib portion 4 is provided which has an annular ridge 4a on the outer surface and an annular recess 4b on the inner surface.

[0057] The annular rib 4 has a predetermined diameter and serves as a positioning portion for engaging and holding the bottom (grounding protrusion 1b) of another container body 1 placed on the outer surface of the lid 2.

[0058] Therefore, as described above, when this lid 2 is stacked with another microwave cooking container (container body 1), the grounding convex portion 1b of the container body 1 is arranged within the annular rib portion 4 (recess surrounded by annular convex strips 4a) provided on the outer surface of the lid body 2, resulting in a stable stacked state that is less likely to shift sideways (see Figure 6).

[0059] Furthermore, the annular groove 4b of the annular rib portion 4 functions as a water reservoir when the container is in an upside-down state (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0060] Therefore, water for steaming can be stored in the center of the water receiving space portion 5, and steam can be evenly applied to the food material P during cooking.

[0061] Reference numeral 2d denotes a finger hook protrusion portion on which a finger is hooked when opening the cover body 2, and 2e denotes a locking claw.

[0062] A cooking method using the microwave cooking container according to this embodiment configured as described above will now be described. In this embodiment, cooked rice P (cooked rice) that has been frozen in a microwave cooking container stored in a freezer is transferred directly to a microwave oven for heat-thawing (steam cooking). The rice P is frozen by storing the cooked rice P in the container body 1, installing a member 3 with water holes on the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and fitting a lid 2 over the upper opening 1 of the container body 1.

[0063] First, the container body 1 is turned upside down and kept horizontal. Then, water W for steaming (for example, about one spoonful) is poured into the water outlet 2c. This water W for steaming passes through the water passage 6 and is placed in the water receiving space 5 (see Figure 7).

[0064] Next, when the lid 2 is placed in this state in a microwave oven so that it is in contact with the ground and heated, the water W for steaming placed in the water receiving space 5 turns into steam S and passes upward through the member 3 with water holes, and the rice P on the member 3 with water holes is steamed by this steam S (see Figure 8).

[0065] Subsequently, after cooking in the microwave oven, water droplets W generated within the container body 1 descend through the member with water passage holes 3 (water passage holes 3c) and fall into the water receiving space 5, where they accumulate. In this embodiment, when the inverted container is tilted from a horizontal position so that the water outlet 2c is on the bottom, the water W in the water receiving space 5 can be drained (drained) through the water passing portion 6 and the water outlet 2c provided between the lid 2 and the member with water passage holes 3 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the water W drained from the water receiving space 5 through the water passing portion 6 does not pass through the space within the container body 1 where the cooked rice P is placed on the member with water passage holes 3, so the cooked rice P does not get wet (see FIG. 10). Note that cooking is not limited to steaming, and may also be warming or stewing.

[0066] Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the container body 1 can be returned to its normal upward position, and for example, the lid body 2 and the member with water holes 3 can be removed from the container body 1, and the food ingredients P can be eaten directly using the container body 1 as tableware.Even in this state, the rice P can be eaten deliciously without being affected in taste or texture by being wet with the water W that has accumulated in the water receiving space 5 during cooking.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, the member 3 with water passage holes has a flange portion 3a on its peripheral edge that engages with the edge of the upper opening of the container body 1, and the member 3 with water passage holes is configured to be installed at a position a predetermined distance below the upper opening of the container body 1 by the flange portion 3a, and when the lid body 2 is fitted into the upper opening 1a of the container body 1, its inner surface abuts against the flange portion 3a of the inner plate body 3 with water passage holes, and the water passage portion 6 is configured by providing an opening recess 6a in either or both of the flange portion 3a and the abutment portion 2a that abuts against the flange portion 3a, so that the above-mentioned effect is reliably achieved.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, a ring-shaped wall portion 2b is provided on the peripheral portion of the lid body 2, and the ring-shaped wall portion 2b is configured to surround the upper outer surface of the container body 1 when the lid body 2 is fitted into the upper opening 1a of the container body 1, so that it can receive the water W that is generated during cooking and discharged from the water passage portion 6 and reliably prevent it from boiling over to the outside.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, an annular protrusion 4a is provided on the outer surface of the lid body 2, and this annular protrusion 4a serves as a positioning portion that engages and holds the bottom of another container body 1 placed on the outer surface of the lid body 2, preventing lateral shifting when stacked.

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, an annular groove 4b is provided on the inner surface of the lid body 2, and this annular groove 4b becomes a water reservoir when in an upside-down position, so that water W for steaming can be stored in a predetermined position, and steam S can be evenly applied to the food P during heating and cooking.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the specific configuration of each component can be designed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] P ingredients 1 Container body 1a Top opening 2 Lid 2a Contact part 2b Annular wall 3. Components with water passage holes 3a Tsuba 4a Circular ridge 4b Circular groove 5 Water receiving space 6 Water passage section 6a Opening recess

Claims

1. A microwave cooking container for storing food ingredients and cooking them in a microwave oven, comprising a container body having an upper opening, a member with water passage holes attached to the edge of the upper opening of the container body, and a lid body fitted over the upper opening of the container body, wherein when the container body is inverted with the member with water passage holes in place and facing downwards, the space between the lid body and the member with water passage holes forms a water receiving space, and either or both of the lid body and the member with water passage holes are provided with a water passage portion that allows water to be drained from the water receiving space.

2. In the microwave cooking container of claim 1, the member with water passage holes has a flange portion on its peripheral edge that engages with the edge of the upper opening of the container body, and the member with water passage holes is configured to be suspended at a position a predetermined distance below the upper opening of the container body by the flange portion, and when the lid body is fitted over the upper opening of the container body, the inner surface of the lid body abuts against the flange portion of the inner plate body with water passage holes, and the water passage portion is configured by providing an opening recess in either or both of the flange portion and the abutment portion abutting against the flange portion.

3. 3. A microwave cooking container according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a peripheral edge provided with an annular wall portion, and the annular wall portion is configured to surround the upper outer surface of the container body when the lid is fitted over the upper opening of the container body.

4. 3. The microwave cooking container according to claim 1, wherein an annular ridge is provided on the outer surface of the lid.

5. 4. The microwave cooking container according to claim 3, wherein an annular ridge is provided on the outer surface of said lid.

6. 3. The microwave cooking container according to claim 1, wherein an annular groove is formed on the inner surface of the lid.

7. 4. The microwave cooking container according to claim 3, wherein an annular groove is formed on the inner surface of the lid.

8. 5. The microwave cooking container according to claim 4, wherein an annular groove is formed on the inner surface of the lid.

9. 6. The microwave cooking container according to claim 5, wherein an annular groove is formed on the inner surface of the lid.

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