Food pack
The food pack design with a larger inner bag and outer vacuum-packed bag allows free movement of contents during cooking, addressing the 'rice jumping' issue, enabling delicious cooking like a rice cooker.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing food packs, such as those described in Patent Document 1, inhibit the movement of contents during cooking, resembling 'rice jumping', which is undesirable for cooking similar to a rice cooker or mess kit.
A food pack design comprising an inner bag containing uncooked grain and an outer vacuum-packed bag made of heat-resistant material, allowing water or soup stock to be poured into the inner bag for cooking in a hot water bath, with the inner bag being larger than the outer bag to prevent content movement.
Enables cooking similar to a rice cooker or mess kit by allowing the contents to move freely, resulting in delicious cooked rice, suitable for immediate consumption after disasters or events.
Smart Images

Figure 2026035909000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to food packs. [Background technology]
[0002] In addition to rice packs containing pregelatinized rice for use in emergencies, camping, and the like, rice storage bags that can be used to cook raw rice are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum pack in which rice is placed in a heat-resistant packaging bag with a zipper and heat-sealed. With this vacuum pack, the rice can be cooked by cutting the seal, opening the zipper, pouring in water, closing the zipper, and then heating the bag in hot water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-221670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the case of the vacuum pack of Patent Document 1, the vacuum pack is formed by sealing all four sides of a single bag. Furthermore, in the vacuum pack of Patent Document 1, a zipper is used to open and close the bag for pouring water and heating the rice in hot water, so the entire packaging bag needs to be flat. This poses a problem in that the movement of the contents, such as rice, during cooking (so-called rice jumping) is suppressed.
[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a food pack that is less likely to inhibit the movement of contents during cooking and allows cooking similar to that performed in a rice cooker or rice cooker. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to a first aspect, a food pack is provided which includes an inner bag containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grain, and an outer bag which contains the inner bag and is vacuum-packed, the inner bag being made of a material which can be heated in a hot water bath, and after opening the outer bag, water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag and heated in a hot water bath, thereby enabling the uncooked grain to be cooked. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a food pack that is less likely to inhibit the movement of contents during cooking and allows cooking similar to that performed in a rice cooker or mess kit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a food pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state before packaging. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating how to use the food pack of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the food pack of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a food pack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure in a pre-packaged state. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of using the food pack of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the food pack of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This is a perspective view of a food pack 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, this food pack 100 includes an inner bag 11 containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grain 12, and an outer bag 21 for containing the inner bag 11 and vacuum-packing it.
[0010] The inner bag 11 is made of a heat-resistant material such as high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. By using such an inner bag 11, the grain 12 can be cooked by pouring water or soup stock into the inner bag 11 containing the grain 12 and boiling it in hot water. Furthermore, by using pre-washed rice or multigrain rice containing pre-washed rice as the grain 12, rice washing is not necessary, and the rice can be cooked directly by pouring water or soup stock. Of course, if polished rice is used as the grain 12, the rice can be washed using the inner bag 11 as a container.
[0011] The outer bag 21 can be a packaging bag laminated for vacuum packing. The example in FIG. 2 shows a packaging bag used for vacuum packing cube-shaped rice. For example, when packing 1 go (150 g) of rice, the rice can be contained in a bag measuring 63.5 mm in length and width and 45 mm in height, the same size as a 1 go measure. However, since a separate seal is required for sealing, commercially available packaging bags with an inner circumference of approximately 254 mm and a height of approximately 210 mm that can contain 1 go (150 g) to 3 go (450 g) can be used as the outer bag 21. The "go" in 1 go is a traditional Japanese unit of measurement.
[0012] Furthermore, a flat, center-sealed vacuum bag can also be used as the outer bag 21. In this case, a small size, approximately 110 mm wide and 260 mm high (for 2 go (300 g)), is known. Such a flat, center-sealed packaging bag can also be used as the outer bag 21.
[0013] The food pack 100 described above can be constructed by placing grain 12 in the inner bag 11, then placing the inner bag 11 in the outer bag 21 with the opening facing up, vacuuming it using a vacuum packing machine, and then heat-sealing it (see Figure 1). If the vacuum device has a gas replacement function for nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other gases, this function can be used when vacuuming. This allows oxygen to be removed from the spaces between the grain particles, improving the insect-repellent effect.
[0014] To cook rice more deliciously, it is desirable that the inner perimeter or height (the length from top to bottom of the bag) of the inner bag 11 be as large as possible so as not to hinder the movement of the grains 12 (so-called rice bouncing) during boiling in hot water. A gusseted heat-resistant polyethylene bag as shown in Figure 2 can be used as such an inner bag. On the other hand, since the outer bag is vacuum-sealed, it is preferable to use a bag of as small a size as possible depending on the amount of grain 12 to be stored. As a result, at least one of the inner perimeter or height of the inner bag is greater than the inner perimeter or height of the outer bag.
[0015] For example, in the case of the aforementioned cube-type vacuum bag, the inner perimeter is 63.5 mm x 4 = 254 mm. In the case of a double-sided vacuum bag, the inner perimeter is 110 mm x 2 = 220 mm. In contrast, if a bag equivalent to Japanese standard size #11 is used as the inner bag 11, the inner perimeter is 400 mm (200 mm x 2) and the height is 300 mm. Similarly, if a bag equivalent to Japanese standard size #12 is used, the inner perimeter is 460 mm (230 mm x 2) and the height is 340 mm. Furthermore, if a gusseted bag is used, the inner perimeter increases by the size of the gusset. In this way, by using an inner bag 11 that is sufficiently larger than the outer bag 21, the movement of the grains 12 (so-called rice jumping) during the hot water bath can be prevented from being hindered.
[0016] Depending on the type of inner bag 11, an inner bag 11 having an inner circumferential length equal to or less than that of the outer bag 21 may be used. In this case, the height of the inner bag 11 should be greater than the height or inner circumferential length of the outer bag 21.
[0017] As described above, because there is a difference in size between outer bag 21 and inner bag 11, in the example of Fig. 1, inner bag 11 is contained within outer bag 21 with its edge folded irregularly. The opaque portion 13 on the top surface of grain 12 in Fig. 1 shows the edge of inner bag 11 in an irregularly folded state.
[0018] Next, a method of using the food pack 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining how to use the food pack of this embodiment. First, use scissors or the like to cut below the heat seal at the top end of the outer bag 21, and remove the inner bag 11.
[0019] Next, after pouring a specified amount of water or soup stock into the inner bag 11, the opening of the inner bag 11 is tied or sealed with a rubber band, clip, or the like. By sealing in this manner, it is possible to prevent the water used for the hot water bath from entering the inner bag 11. Also, by sealing in this manner, water other than drinking water can be used for the hot water bath. Furthermore, if it is recommended to use a rubber band or clip to seal the inner bag 11, the rubber band or clip may be placed in the outer bag or attached to the outside of the outer bag.
[0020] Thereafter, the sealed inner bag 11 is heated in a boiling pot or the like for a predetermined period of time, thereby cooking the grain 12. As mentioned above, by using an inner bag 11 that is as large as possible, the grain 12 will move during the hot water heating (so-called rice dancing), allowing for delicious cooked rice.
[0021] As described above, this embodiment provides a food pack 100 that has good storage stability and can be used to cook delicious rice or other foods. Immediately after a disaster or other event occurs, instant rice or canned food that does not require water is highly valued, but several days after the disaster, it is desirable to provide freshly cooked, more delicious rice to physically and mentally exhausted victims and relief staff. The food pack 100 of this embodiment can be used as a preserved food that can provide more delicious rice during such disasters.
[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the food pack 100 of this embodiment uses a tubular outer bag 21, so the amount of grain 12 contained therein can be adjusted within the range of its capacity. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, it is possible to enclose a smaller amount of rice than that shown in Fig. 1. For example, by enclosing one cup of rice, which is the intended serving for one person, and vacuum-packing it, it is possible to provide one serving of rice to each disaster victim.
[0023] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment in which outer bag 21 functions as a measuring cup will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a food pack according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a state before packaging. The difference from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is that outer bag 21a is provided with measuring scale 22a.
[0024] The scale 22a indicates the amount of water needed to cook the rice, and can be attached by printing or by attaching a sticker. The outer bag 21a is designed to be vacuum-resistant, so water can be added. In particular, the examples in Figures 5 and 6 use a packaging bag used for vacuum-packing cube-type rice, which has an appropriate thickness and can be used as a measuring cup as is.
[0025] The amount of water suitable for cooking one gou (150g) of polished rice is said to be 210ml, and for pre-washed rice, it is 217.5ml to 225ml. For example, if the size of the outer bag 21a is 7cm wide and 6cm deep, the bottom area is 42cm square. To measure 210ml of water, mark the scale 5cm from the bottom. Similarly, to measure 225ml of water, mark the scale approximately 5.18cm to 5.35cm from the bottom.
[0026] Of course, multiple scale lines 23 may be provided at multiple positions depending on the amount of rice, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, when using outer bag 21b with multiple scale lines 23, the amount of water can be adjusted, so the rice in inner bag 11 can be cooked in multiple batches rather than all at once. It is also possible to make porridge (5x porridge). In this case, it is sufficient to print or otherwise provide scales and instructions (for example, "Add 3 cups of water at this position") that allow you to measure 750 ml, which is 5 times the amount of rice.
[0027] When in use, as shown in Fig. 6, water or soup stock is poured into the outer bag 21a and measured, and then the water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag 11. In this way, it becomes possible to pour the water or soup stock accurately without using a dedicated measuring cup or the like.
[0028] According to this embodiment, water can be accurately measured without a measuring cup, making it possible to use the outer bag 21a as food to be distributed in the event of a disaster. After use, the outer bag 21a can also be used as a simple cup for brushing teeth, etc.
[0029] 5 to 7, an example has been described in which scale 22a is provided on the side surface of outer bag 21a, but a configuration in which scale (ruler) 24 is provided on the top end of outer bag 21b of food pack 100b, as shown in Figure 8, can also be adopted. As described above, when food pack 100b is opened, the top end of outer bag 21b is cut, and the portion with scale (ruler) 24 is separated from the main body of outer bag 21b. By placing this scale (ruler) 24 against the side surface of outer bag 21b, the amount of water can be easily measured.
[0030] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example was given in which a packaging bag used for vacuum packing cube-type rice was used as the outer bag, but the outer bag is not limited to this, and bags of other shapes can also be used. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a food pack 100c according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] Referring to Figure 9, a stand-up outer bag 21c that can stand on its own is used. Food pack 100c can be constructed by placing inner bag 11 containing grain 12 in outer bag 21c and vacuum-packing it. Although not shown in the example of Figure 9, this stand-up outer bag 21c can also be provided with a scale so that it can be used as a measuring cup.
[0032] [Fourth embodiment] In the first to third embodiments described above, one inner bag is stored per outer bag, but a configuration in which multiple inner bags are stored in one outer bag is also possible. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 10, inner bags 11a and 11b containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grain 12 are prepared, and outer bag 21b is used to store and vacuum-pack these inner bags 11a and 11b. In this embodiment as well, it is preferable that at least one of the inner perimeter or height of inner bags 11a and 11b is greater than the inner perimeter or height of outer bag 21b.
[0033] 10, outer bag 21b is provided with scales 22-1 and 22-2 for measuring the amount of water for one inner bag. Lower scale 22-1 is designed to measure the amount of water when one of inner bags 11a, 11b is cooked in a hot water bath. Upper scale 22-1 is designed to measure the amount of water when inner bags 11a, 11b are cooked together in a single bag.
[0034] According to this embodiment, rice can be cooked separately in each of the inner bags 11a and 11b contained in one vacuum pack. For example, in the event of a disaster, there may be a shortage of food, and a situation may arise in which one vacuum pack must be shared by two or more people, or a fixed amount must be divided into multiple batches and cooked in a hot water bath. According to this embodiment, rice can be cooked separately or in multiple batches using the inner bags 11a and 11b. In particular, when two or more people are sharing, each person can eat from a different inner bag, which is advantageous from a hygienic standpoint.
[0035] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present disclosure. For example, the shapes and sizes of the outer bag and inner bag shown in each drawing are examples to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.
[0036] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the grain 12 placed in the inner bag is explained as an example of pre-washed rice, but the grains that can be cooked in the present disclosure are not limited to this. For example, food packs can be made containing pre-washed rice, other grains such as mixed grain rice, polished rice, brown rice, and barley.
[0037] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the outer bags 21 to 21c are described as being self-standing packaging bags, but the outer bags 21 to 21c may be packaging bags of other shapes. For example, flat packaging bags may be used as the outer bags 21 to 21c.
[0038] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of this disclosure, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure (including the claims), and further based on the basic technical concepts thereof. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including elements of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the disclosure of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concepts, including the claims. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges set forth herein, any numerical value or subrange within that range should be construed as specifically set forth, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of the disclosure of this disclosure, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, are also deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]
[0039] 100, 100b, 100c food packs 11, 11a, 11b inner bag 12 Grain 13 Opaque area 21, 21a, 21b, 21c outer bag 22a, 22-1, 22-2 scale 23 Scale lines 24 Scale (ruler)
Claims
1. An inner bag containing a specified amount of uncooked polished rice, brown rice, pre-washed rice, or mixed grain rice including pre-washed rice; an outer bag that contains the inner bag and is vacuum-packed; The inner bag is made of a material that can be heated in hot water, After opening the outer bag, water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag, and the inner bag is heated in hot water without being heated, thereby making it possible to cook the polished rice, brown rice, pre-washed rice, or multigrain rice in the food pack.
2. At least one of the inner periphery length or height of the inner bag is greater than the inner periphery length or height of the outer bag, 2. The food pack of claim 1, wherein the inner bag is vacuum-packed with the edges folded over.
3. 2. The food pack according to claim 1, wherein the inner bag is a gusseted bag made of heat-resistant polyethylene.
4. The outer bag is configured as a self-standing bag, 2. The food pack according to claim 1, wherein the outer bag can be used as a measuring cup for measuring the water or soup stock after the upper end of the outer bag is cut off to remove the inner bag from the outer bag.
5. 5. The food pack according to claim 4, wherein the outer bag is provided with a scale for measuring the amount of the water or soup stock.
6. 2. The food pack according to claim 1, wherein the outer bag is vacuum-packed after gas replacement with nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas using a vacuum device equipped with a gas replacement function.
7. 7. The food pack according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the inner bags are housed in each of the outer bags.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Packaging bag and vacuum pack
JP2015221670A