Reusable equipment for cooking puffed foods

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooking puffed food. The apparatus includes: - a tube (32) having an upper opening (36) defined by an upper end (32.1) and extending between an upper edge (32.1) and a lower edge (32.2); - a cover (38) configured to close the upper opening (36); - at least one holding system (50) configured to removably hold a tray (40) in a cooking position near or on the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32); - at least one lower opening (48) for at least partially exposing the bottom surface (46.1) of the tray (40) placed within the cooking apparatus. This solution makes it possible to continuously cook the contents of multiple trays (40) using the same cooking apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus for cooking puffed food. This novel apparatus is aimed at improving the apparatus described in Patent Document EP1558089.

Background Art

[0002] An embodiment of the storage and cooking apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a foldable corrugated cardboard box 10, the box having a non-foldable lower portion 12 and a foldable upper portion 14. Therefore, the storage and cooking apparatus can assume a compact state where the upper portion 14 is folded and closely attached to the lower portion 12 as shown in part (A) of Figure 1, and an unfolded state where the upper portion 14 is unfolded to provide a large volume above the lower portion 12 as shown in part (B) of Figure 1.

[0003] The lower portion 12 comprises a bottom surface and four lower walls. The upper portion 14 is constituted by a flap 16 and an upper wall aligned in a straight line with the lower wall. The flap 16 is provided with an attachment system configured to occupy a "bonded state" in which the flap 16 is bonded and closed, and a "non-bonded state" in which the flap 16 is not bonded and can be opened to allow access to the interior of the box.

[0004] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the storage and cooking apparatus also comprises a tray 18 for accommodating corn kernels to be cooked. The tray 18 comprises a container 20 having a peripheral flange 20.1, and a film 22 hermetically connected to the peripheral flange 20.1 by heat-sealing connection.

[0005] The tray 18 is configured to be placed in the lower portion 12 when the apparatus is in the compact state. In operation, the upper portion 14 is unfolded to secure a large volume before cooking. During cooking, the film 22 is peeled from the peripheral flange 20.1, and the corn kernels pop to occupy the entire inner space of the box in the unfolded state.

[0006] Patent document US4959231 describes a corrugated cardboard box in which four side walls form a frustoconical body, a lower flap connected to the side walls by fold lines forms the bottom of the box, and an upper flap forms the lid. During cooking, a tray containing corn kernels is placed on the bottom of the box. To secure the tray to the bottom, the side walls are provided with dimples that protrude inward from the bottom of the box and are spaced apart from the bottom.

[0007] The devices described in patent documents EP1558089 and US4959231 are disposable and generate a large amount of waste.

[0008] One embodiment of a storage and cooking device described in Patent Document US5097107 comprises a rigid frustoconical tube and a tray for holding corn kernels to be cooked, the tray forming the bottom of the storage and cooking device. The tray is closely connected to the tube. Each storage and cooking device consists of the tube and a dedicated tray. As with conventional devices, this type of device is disposable and generates considerable waste. [Overview of the project]

[0009] The present invention aims to improve some or all of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus for cooking puffed foods, the apparatus including: - A tube extending between an upper edge and a lower edge located in an upper transverse plane and a lower transverse plane, respectively, comprising at least one side wall and an upper opening defined by the upper edge, - A lid configured to close the top opening.

[0011] According to the present invention, the cooking device comprises at least one lower opening in or near the lower transverse plane, and at least one holding system for detachably holding a tray containing corn kernels in a cooking position near or at the same height as the lower edge of the tube, so that the bottom surface of the tray is at least partially open by the lower opening. The holding system also includes a first contact portion positioned at a distance from the lower edge of the tube to prevent the tray from translating toward the lower edge of the tube, and a second contact portion to prevent the tray from translating toward the upper end of the tube.

[0012] Therefore, this cooking device is reusable and can be used to cook the contents of multiple trays in succession. This solution makes it possible to reduce the amount of waste. The presence of a lower opening allows the bottom surface of the trays placed inside the cooking device to be at least partially free, preventing a deterioration in cooking quality. Unlike conventional technology, the trays are held in place not by the bottom surface, but by the first and second contact points. Therefore, it is possible to omit the bottom surface, thereby allowing the bottom surface of the trays to be free during cooking. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which is given for illustrative purposes only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a popcorn storage and cooking device according to one embodiment of the prior art, with part (A) showing the compact state and part (B) showing the unfolded state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a popcorn tray. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a popcorn cooking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in Figure 3, in its state before cooking. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the popcorn cooking apparatus of FIG. 3, showing the state after cooking. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the popcorn cooking apparatus of FIG. 3, showing the state when eating popcorn after cooking. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 7, showing the state where the lid is disposed under the popcorn storage and cooking apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where two popcorn cooking apparatuses are fitted to each other. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 7, showing the state during insertion of a tray. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 7, showing the state during insertion of a tray. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the popcorn cooking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a popcorn cooking apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, including a tray. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 15, not including the tray. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 15, showing the state where the tray is inserted into the apparatus. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the popcorn cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of a cooking apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 20. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of a cooking apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a perspective view of various components of the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tube and groove of the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 22. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a partial side view of the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 22. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the lower part of the cooking apparatus shown in Figure 22. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 13, the cooking apparatus 30 comprises a rigid tube 32 (not made of corrugated cardboard) including at least one side wall 34 and an upper opening 36, and a lid 38 configured to close the upper opening 36.

[0016] The tube 32 extends between an upper edge 32.1 in an upper transverse plane that defines the upper opening 36, and a lower edge 32.2 in a lower transverse plane substantially parallel to the upper transverse plane. In use, the lower edge 32.2 faces toward the bottom side.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 to 19, in one configuration, the tube 32 is cylindrical or slightly frustoconical and has a single side wall 34. By using this slightly frustoconical or flared tube 32, a plurality of cooking apparatuses 30 can be stacked inside one another, as shown in Figure 11.

[0018] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this shape of the tube 32 that may include a plurality of side walls. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the tube 32 may have a prismatic horizontal cross-section, for example, a substantially square cross-section with rounded corners.

[0019] The capacity of each tube 32 may vary. Furthermore, the capacity of the tubes 32 shown in Figures 20 and 21 is smaller than the capacity of the tubes 32 shown in Figures 7 through 19.

[0020] The cooking device 30 is configured to receive a tray 40 containing corn kernels to be cooked. The tray 40 includes a container 42 having a peripheral flange and a film 44 sealed to the peripheral flange by heat-seal connections. The container 42 has a bottom surface 46.1 located in a first plane, at least one peripheral flange 46.2 located in a plane parallel to the first plane, and at least one inclined wall 46.3 connecting the bottom surface 46.1 and the peripheral flange 46.2. Before cooking, the film 44 is attached to the peripheral flange 46.2 and the corn kernels to be cooked are placed between the container 42 and the film 44.

[0021] This tray 40 is configured to cook corn kernels in a microwave oven and turn them into popcorn. For this purpose, the tray 40 has at least one coating at a height of 46.1 on the bottom surface and optionally at a height of 46.3 on the sloping walls that absorbs electromagnetic waves generated by the microwave oven and generates heat that causes the corn kernels to cook.

[0022] In one configuration, the tray 40 has a square shape with rounded corners when viewed from above. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this shape of the tray 40.

[0023] In one embodiment, tray 40 is identical to that of the prior art. Naturally, the present invention can also be used in combination with other trays.

[0024] In each embodiment, the tray 40 has a height corresponding to the dimension separating the bottom surface 46.1 from the film 44, a width corresponding to the maximum dimension of the peripheral flange 46.2, a first contour C1 corresponding to the outer contour of the peripheral flange 46.2, and a second contour C2 corresponding to the inner contour of the peripheral flange 46.2 connected to the inclined wall 46.3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the tube 32 has a cross section (parallel to the upper and lower transverse planes) and is capable of accommodating at least one tray 40. The bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40 is within the transverse plane. In one configuration, the tube 32 is configured to accommodate multiple trays 40 stacked on top of each other during storage, as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] In one embodiment, the tube 32 is designed to be washable and recyclable.

[0027] A notable feature of the present invention is that the cooking device 30 has at least one lower opening 48 located in or near the lower transverse plane and includes at least one holding system 50. The holding system 50 is configured to hold the tray 40 in a cooking position near or at the same height as the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32, thereby at least partially freeing the bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40 from the lower opening 48. The presence of the lower opening 48, which at least partially frees the bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40, makes it possible to avoid compromising the cooking quality of the popcorn. Unlike the prior art, the bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40 does not come into contact with the bottom surface of the tube 32. This frees the bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40, and there are no elements interposed between the bottom surface 46.1 of the tray 40 and the cooking support.

[0028] The holding system 50 is configured to hold multiple trays 40, which are substantially fixed within the tube 32, in a removable and continuous manner. Therefore, the cooking device 30 is reusable and can be used to continuously cook the contents of multiple trays 40. For reusability, the tube 32 is made of a rigid material such as plastic. This solution makes it possible to reduce the amount of waste. Therefore, only the trays 40 are not reusable; however, they can be recycled.

[0029] The holding system 50 is configured such that when the tray 40 is held by the holding system, its bottom surface 46.1 is substantially located within the lower transverse plane, thereby optimizing cooking.

[0030] In one configuration, the cooking device 30 includes a single lower opening 48 defined by a lower edge 32.2.

[0031] The holding system 50 has at least one bearing surface 52 on the transverse bearing plane, configured to receive the peripheral flange 46.2 of the tray 40, and at least one tong 54 positioned at a distance substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the peripheral flange 46.2 from the transverse bearing plane. Thus, when the tray 40 is placed in the cooking device 30 and held by the holding system 50, its peripheral flange 46.2 is positioned between the bearing surface 52 and the tongs 54. The bearing surface 52 forms a first contact portion that prevents the tray 40 from translating toward the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32, and this first contact portion is positioned at a distance from the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32. In addition, each tong 54 forms a second contact portion that prevents the tray 40 from translating toward the upper edge 32.1 of the tube 32.

[0032] In embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 7 to 13, the cooking device 30 includes a transverse wall 56 attached to a tube 32. The transverse wall 56 has an orifice 58 substantially centrally located relative to the tube 32, the periphery P 58 of which is substantially identical to the second contour C2 of the tray 40 and smaller than the first contour C1. Thus, only the bottom surface 46.1 and the inclined wall 46.3 of the tray 40 pass through the orifice 58. The periphery flange 46.2 rests on the transverse wall 56. The transverse wall 56 includes at least one flange 60 that extends in the transverse plane over at least a portion of the orifice 58, forming a support surface 52, and forming at least one lateral face 62 substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane, having a periphery P 62 substantially identical to or slightly larger than the first contour C1 of the tray 40. The lateral face 62 is configured to fix the tray 40 in the transverse plane. Thus, the flange 60 and the lateral face 62 form a housing configured to accommodate the periphery flange 46.2 of the tray 40.

[0033] In the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 3 to 19, the transverse wall 56 also includes a junction zone 64 that connects each side surface 62 to the tube 32. As shown in Figure 19, the junction zone 64 is inclined, forming an angle α greater than 10° with the transverse plane. Therefore, if uncooked grains bounce up to the height of the junction zone 64 and fall during cooking, the inclination of the junction zone 64 will cause them to automatically roll or slide down towards the tray 40.

[0034] In the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 20 and 21, the lower part of the tube 32 has a horizontal cross-section similar to that of the side surface 62. Therefore, the wall 56 does not include a joining area 64, or includes only a very small joining area 64. As a result, even if uncooked grains bounce around during cooking, they will always fall into the tray 40.

[0035] In one configuration, each tongue portion 54 is attached to the transverse wall 56, more specifically to its side surface 62, and is positioned in a straight line with the joint region 64.

[0036] The tube 32, the transverse wall 56, and each tongue portion 54 are integrally molded and made from a plastic material in particular.

[0037] In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 7, 9, 10, 12, and 13, the tube 32 has a lateral opening 66 in its side wall 34 near its lower edge 32.2. The dimensions of this opening are set so that a tray 40 can be inserted into the tube 32. The lateral opening 66 is defined by a lower section 66.1, an upper section 66.2 parallel to the lower section 66.1, a right side section 66.3 connecting the lower section 66.1 and the upper section 66.2, and a left side section 66.4 parallel to the right side section 66.3, also connecting the lower section 66.1 and the upper section 66.2. The lateral opening 66 has a plane of symmetry P equidistant from the right side section 66.3 and the left side section 66.4. If a tray 40 having a substantially square first contour C1 exists, the transverse wall 56 includes four sides 62 symmetric with respect to the plane of symmetry P. Therefore, the transverse wall 56 has at least two right and left side surfaces 62 that are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P, and these are aligned in a straight line with the right side 66.3 and left side 66.4 of the transverse opening 66, respectively. The retaining system 50 includes a right tongue 54 attached to the right side surface 62, a left tongue attached to the left side surface, and a front tongue 54' attached to the side surface 62 opposite to the lateral opening 66.

[0038] The height of the side opening 66 (distance between the lower part 66.1 and the upper part 66.2) is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the tray 40, and its width (distance between the right side 66.3 and the left side 66.4) is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the tray 40. The height of the side opening 66 is set to prevent popcorn from passing through.

[0039] In the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 7, 9, 10, 12, and 13, the lateral opening 66 is located directly above the transverse wall 56. The lower part 66.1 is aligned in a straight line with the joint area 64 of the transverse wall 56.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking device 30 includes a guide system 68 configured to guide each tray 40, which is inserted into the tube 32 through a lateral opening 66, to the cooking position. The guide system 68 is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P.

[0041] The guide system 68 includes a first inclined guide 70 positioned opposite each other on both sides of the plane of symmetry P, between the right or left tongue portion 54 and the lateral opening 66, configured such that the peripheral flange 46.3 of the tray 40 slides under the tongue portion 54. The inclined guide 70 has a first end portion 70.1 positioned toward the lateral opening 66 and a second end portion 70.2 attached to the right or left tongue portion 54, with the first end portion 70.1 offset toward the upper edge 32.1 of the tube 32 relative to the second end portion 70.2.

[0042] The guide system 68 comprises a horizontal guide 72 connected to the right or left side surface 54 on each opposite side of the plane of symmetry P and offset downward relative to the flange 60, and a second inclined guide 74 connecting the horizontal guide 72 and the flange 60, wherein the second inclined guide 74 is configured to connect the horizontal guide 72 and the flange 60. Alternatively, it comprises a horizontal guide 72 connected to the left side surface 54 and offset downward relative to the flange 60, and a second inclined guide 74 connecting the horizontal guide 72 and the flange 60, wherein the peripheral flange 46.3 of the tray 40 slides on the support surface 52.

[0043] The horizontal guide 72 is positioned such that, when the tray 40 is inserted, the peripheral flange 46.2 of the horizontal guide 72 comes into contact with the first inclined guide 70, as shown in Figure 12.

[0044] The function of the guide system 68 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. When the tray 40 is inserted into the cooking device 30 through the lateral opening 66, its peripheral flange 46.2 abuts against the first inclined guide until it contacts the horizontal guide 72, as shown in Figure 12. During this movement, the tray 40 tilts. Next, the peripheral flange 46.2 slides below the first inclined guide 70, moves over the horizontal guide 72, and then moves over the second inclined guide 74 to be positioned above the flange 60. When the tray 40 is fully inserted and positioned in the cooking position shown in Figure 13, the tray 40 becomes nearly horizontal, and its peripheral flange 46.2 rests on the flange 60, which is located between the support surface 52 and the tongue portion 54.

[0045] In the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 15 to 17, the lateral opening 66 extends from the lower transverse plane and does not have a lower section 66.1. The same applies to the embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 20 to 26. In these embodiments, the lateral opening 66 is located directly below the transverse wall 56. In these embodiments, the lateral opening 66 forms an inverted U-shaped notch. In these embodiments of the present invention, the guide system 68 may consist only of the support surface 52, a right tongue 54, and a left tongue 54. As described above, the guide system 68 may include a first inclined guide 70 positioned in a straight line with the right tongue 54 or the left tongue 54 on each opposite side of the plane of symmetry P. In embodiments of the present invention, the horizontal guide 72 and the second inclined guide 74 are not required. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the support surface 52 and the joining region 64 are configured such that no opening remains between the side wall 34 and the tray 40 when the tray 40 is in the cooking position.

[0046] In a second embodiment of this invention, the holding system 50 and the guide system 68 are identical, and the insertion of the tray 40 is simplified. As shown in Figure 17, a simple translational motion is sufficient to insert the tray 40 into the cooking device 30. In contrast to the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, another advantage of this embodiment is that when the tray 40 is in the cooking position, no opening remains at the height of the upper side wall 34 of the tray 40.

[0047] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the tube 32 includes at least one contact portion 84 configured to fix the tray 40 when it is in the cooking position. In the configuration shown in Figures 15 and 18, the transverse wall 56 has an edge portion 56.1 extending from the side wall 62 near the opening 66, thereby forming a contour P62 that conforms to the first contour C1 of the tray 40. Between the opening 66 and the edge portion 56.1, the transverse wall 56 curves downward to form the contact portion 84. The latter has a first curvature with respect to the insertion direction of the tray 40, and the transverse wall 56 approaches the lower transverse wall and moves away from the lateral opening 66 to reach the minimum distance from the lower transverse plane that is in a straight line with the edge portion 56.1. This first curve allows the tray 40 to be inserted from the lateral opening 66 to the cooking position and fixed in that cooking position, with the flange 46.2 of the tray 40 contacting the edge portion 56.1. The latter has a curved region between the first end 84.1 and the second end 84.2, which are close to the right side 66.3 and left side 66.4 of the lateral opening 66, respectively. The edge 56.1 is furthest from the lower cross-sectional plane that is in a straight line with the first end 84.1 and the second end 84.2, and is closest to the lower cross-sectional plane that is in a straight line with the midpoint 84.3, which is equidistant from the first end 84.1 and the second end 84.2.

[0048] Alternatively, the cooking device 30 may not have a side opening 66 or a guide system 68. In this case, each tray 40 is inserted into the cooking device 30 through the upper opening 36 and positioned at the height of the holding system 50. However, the side opening 62 facilitates positioning the tray 40 between the first and second contact points of the holding system 50.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tube 32 and the lid 38 are separable. In one configuration, the lid 38 has a first surface F38 that faces the tube 32 when the lid 38 closes the upper opening 36, and a second surface F38' opposite to the first surface F38. The lid 38 is provided with a handle 76 on the second surface F38', which allows the lid 38 to be operated. The latter includes a peripheral flange 78 configured to fit onto the upper edge 32.1 of the tube 32 to close the upper opening 36, as shown in Figure 7.

[0050] The cover 38 is provided with a circular rib 80 projecting from its first surface F38, the inner diameter of which is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32, as shown in Figure 10, thereby allowing the cover 38 to be positioned below the tube 32 and closing the lower opening 48. Alternatively, if the tube 32 is not cylindrical or is slightly frustoconical, the rib 80 can be noncircular. In this case, the interior section of the rib 80 is substantially equal to the outer section of the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32. The rib 80 may be provided on the second surface F38'.

[0051] In one configuration, the tube 32 is equipped with two handles 82 on opposite sides in the diametrical direction, which allows the cooking utensil 30 to be operated without risking burns.

[0052] The cooking device 30 can be sold separately from the tray 40. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the cooking device 30 can be sold together with one or more trays 40.

[0053] The cooking utensils function as follows:

[0054] Before the cooking process begins, tray 40 is inserted into the cooking device.

[0055] The lid 38 is positioned on top of the tube 32 to close the upper opening 36 during cooking, as shown in Figure 7. The cooking device 30 is then placed inside the microwave oven. The amount of corn kernels in the tray 40 and the volume of the tube 32 between the tray 40 and the lid 38 are such that all the corn kernels can be freely transformed into popcorn.

[0056] After the cooking process is complete, the lid 38 is removed to open the upper opening 36. The cooking device 30 is then used as a container for eating popcorn. To prevent soiling, the lid 38 is placed under the tube 32 and the lower opening 48 is closed, as shown in Figure 10.

[0057] During the cooking process, tray 40 may reach a relatively high temperature.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 21, the tube 32 and the retaining system 50 are integrally molded from the same material that is resistant to high temperatures.

[0059] In the third embodiment shown in Figures 22 to 26, the tube 32 is formed of a first material, and at least a portion of the retaining system 50 that contacts the tray 40 is formed of a second material that is more temperature resistant than the first material.

[0060] For example, the first material is polypropylene and the second material is vinyl methyl silicone (VMS). Alternatively, the retaining system 50 consists of two materials, including a first part made of polypropylene and a second part made of liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 22 to 26, the retaining system 50 includes at least one profile 86 having a C-shaped cross section. The profile 86 comprises first and second branch portions 88.1, 88.2 located in the transverse plane and slightly spaced apart from each other to form first and second contact portions, and a bottom portion 90 connecting the first and second branch portions 88.1, 88.2. The bottom portion 90 and the first and second branch portions 88.1, 88.2 are integrally molded to form a groove configured to accommodate the peripheral flange 46.2 of the tray 40.

[0062] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the tube 32 is identical to that of the second embodiment, except that it lacks a tongue portion 54. The lower opening 48 is defined by the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32. The tube 32 has a lateral opening 66 extending between the lower transverse plane and the transverse wall 56. There is no lower portion there.

[0063] The transverse wall 56 includes an opening 58 having a periphery P58 substantially identical to the inner contour C2 of the peripheral flange 46.2 of the tray 40. In one embodiment, the transverse wall 56 includes: - At least one flange 60 extending in the transverse plane. This flange comprises three regions, which are a first region 60.1 facing the lateral opening 66, a second region 60.2, and a third region 60.3 connecting the first region 60.1 and the lateral opening 66. - At least one side surface 62 substantially perpendicular to the flange 60. The flange 60 and side surface 62 form a housing configured to accommodate the peripheral flange 46.2 of the tray 40.

[0064] The flange 60 extends between the periphery P58 and the side surface 62 of the opening 58. The latter has a periphery P62 that is slightly larger than the first contour C1 of the tray 40.

[0065] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the profile 86 has three sections, the first section 92.1 is configured to cover a first region 60.1, the second section 92.2 and the third section 92.3 are configured to cover the second region 60.2 and the third region 60.3, respectively, the first branch 88.1 is pressed against the transverse wall 56, particularly the flange 60, the bottom 90 is in contact with the side surface 62, and the first, second, and third sections 92.1, 92.2, and 92.3 have a C-shaped cross-section. As shown in Figure 23, the first, second, and third sections 92.1, 92.2, and 92.3 are interconnected, the second and third sections 92.2 and 92.3 are substantially parallel to each other, and the first section 92.1 is substantially perpendicular to the second and third sections 92.2 and 92.3.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the profile 86 includes a fourth section 92.4 that connects the second section 92.2 and the third section 92.3 and is substantially parallel to the first section 92.1. Thus, the various sections 92.1 to 92.4 define a square or rectangular frame. This fourth section 92.4 is a strip of material that connects the second branch 88.2 of the second section 92.2 and the third section 92.3, located above the transverse wall 56 and pressed against the latter at the height of the lateral opening 66.

[0067] As shown in Figure 23, the profile 86 and the tube 32 are two separate components manufactured separately and joined by any suitable means. In one configuration, at least a first component of the combination including the tube 32 and the profile 86 is provided with at least one lug 94 configured to cooperate with an opening 96 located at a different height from the first component of the combination of the tube 32 and the profile 86, thereby securing the profile 86 to the tube 32. In another configuration, the profile 86 is located at the heights of the first, second, and third sections 92.1, 92.2, and 92.3 and configured to cooperate with the opening 96 in the first, second, and third regions 60.1, 60.2, and 60.3. A fourth section 92.4 is also provided with an opening 96' located at the height of the transverse wall 56, near the lateral opening 66, and configured to accommodate a lug 94'.

[0068] Alternatively, profile 86 is bonded to tube 32.

[0069] Profile 86 can almost completely cover the transverse wall 56. Therefore, it may extend to the side wall 34.

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, the profile 86 and the tube 32 are manufactured by co-injection molding.

[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, areas of the tube 32 that may come into contact with the tray 40 are covered with a coating of a high-temperature resistant material.

[0072] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Although described as an application to popcorn, the present invention is not limited to popcorn. It is applicable to all puffed food products. Therefore, tray 44 can contain puffed food products such as popcorn and other puffed food products.

Claims

1. A cooking device for puffed foods, - A tube (32) extending between upper and lower edges (32.1, 32.2) located in the upper and lower transverse planes, respectively, and including at least one side wall and an upper opening (36) defined by the upper edge (32.1), - A lid (38) configured to close the upper opening (36), Includes, The cooking device (30) is It comprises at least one lower opening (48) in or near the lower transverse plane, and at least one holding system (36) for detachably holding a tray (40) containing corn kernels near the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32) or at a cooking position at the same height, thereby the bottom surface (46.1) being at least partially open by the lower opening (48), The holding system (50) includes a first contact portion positioned at a distance from the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32) to prevent the tray (40) from translating toward the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32), and a second contact portion to prevent the tray (40) from translating toward the upper end (32.1) of the tube (32). cooking equipment.

2. It comprises a single lower opening (48) defined by a lower edge (32.2), The cooking apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The tube (32) has a side wall (34) with a lateral opening (66) sized to allow the tray (40) to be inserted into the tube (32). The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a guide system (68) configured to guide each tray (40), which is inserted into the tube (32) through a lateral opening (66), to the cooking position. The cooking apparatus according to claim 3.

5. Includes a transverse wall (56) attached to the tube (32), The transverse wall (56) has an opening (58) having a periphery (P58) substantially identical to the inner contour (C2) of the peripheral flange (46.2) of the tray (40). A cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The transverse wall (56) extends in the transverse plane over at least a portion of the opening (58) and includes at least one flange (60) that forms a support surface (52) configured to accommodate the peripheral flange (46.2) of the tray (40). The cooking apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The tube (32) is made of a rigid first material. A cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least a portion of the holding system (50) that comes into contact with the tray (40) is made of a second material that is more resistant to higher temperatures than the first material. The cooking apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The retaining system (50) includes at least one profile (86) having a C-shaped cross-section, located in a transverse plane, and slightly spaced apart from each other to form first and second contact portions, and a bottom portion (90) connecting the first and second branches (88.1, 88.2), wherein the bottom portion (90) and the first and second branches (88.1, 88.2) are integrally molded to form a groove configured to accommodate the peripheral flange (46.2) of the tray (40). The cooking apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The profile (86) has first, second, and third sections (92.1, 92.2, 92.3), the first branch (88.1) is pressed against the transverse wall (56), the first, second, and third sections (92.1, 92.2, 92.3) have a C-shaped cross section, the first, second, and third sections (92.1, 92.2, 92.3) are interconnected, the second and third sections (92.2, 92.3) are substantially parallel to each other, and the first section (92.1) is substantially perpendicular to the second and third sections (92.2, 92.3). The cooking apparatus according to claims 6 and 9.

11. Profile (86) includes a fourth section (92.4) that connects the second section (92.2) and the third section (92.3) and is substantially parallel to the first section (92.1). The cooking apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The fourth section (92.4) is a strip-shaped material that connects the second branch (88.2) of the second section (92.2) and the third section (92.3) above the transverse wall (56), and is pressed against the transverse wall at the height of the lateral opening (66). The cooking apparatus according to claim 11.

13. At least one first component of a combination including a tube (32) and a profile (86) includes at least one lug (94) configured to cooperate with an opening (96) provided at a different height from the first component of the combination of the tube (32) and the profile (86), A cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The lid 38 includes a peripheral flange (78) configured to fit onto the upper edge (32.1) of the tube (32). A cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The lid 38 is, The first surface F38 is positioned towards the tube 32 when the lid 38 closes the upper opening 36, The first surface F38 and the second surface F38' on the opposite side, It includes a circular rib 80 protruding from the first surface F38, The rib has an inner section that is substantially equal to the outer section of the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32). A cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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