Smoking container

Abstract

To provide a smoking container which is easily portable, prevents leakage of smoke and odor, has excellent durability, and enables efficient production of smoked products. [Solution] A smoking container consisting of a container 2 and a lid 3, in which the container has an open top and the lid covers the top of the container, allowing the container to be sealed, the container and lid being partially or entirely made of a transparent or translucent material, the sides of the lid and container being provided with smoke inlet ports 5a, 5b, 5c, which serve as through-holes for introducing smoke from a smoke generator 6, a conduit 7 for sending smoke inserted into one of the smoke inlet ports, and a smoke outlet nozzle 9 connected to the tip of the conduit on the interior side of the container, the smoke outlet nozzle having at least one smoke outlet 10. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a metal mesh 16 inside the container.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking container, and more particularly to a smoking container made of a transparent or translucent material that is easy to carry and allows for the efficient production of smoked foods. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, smoking devices for smoking foods such as fish and meat are known. In smoking devices, foods such as fish and meat are exposed to smoke (smoked smoke) generated by heating a smoking agent such as wood chips. There are various types of smoking devices available, ranging from large-scale devices to simple devices, but for home use or outdoor leisure use, portable, simple, and easy-to-use devices are desired.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a smoking container that has a structure that can be molded into one piece using cardboard or corrugated cardboard, and is composed of a hollow rectangular pillar-shaped main body and a lid that covers the top of the main body.The smoking container is used to cover a smoke source, and the main body and lid are formed in an integrated shape.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a smoker comprising a pyramidal or conical smoking chamber with openings at both the top and bottom, a lower plate with a protrusion that fits into the opening at the bottom of the smoking chamber and on which the smoking material is placed, a lid that allows the opening size of the opening at the top of the smoking chamber to be adjusted, and a support for suspending the food to be smoked into the smoking chamber.

[0005] However, the smoking container disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used by covering the smoke source, and although there is a viewing window on the side of the main body, it is difficult to check the status of the smoking process.In addition, the paper container allows smoke and odors to leak out, and there are also problems with the durability of the container.

[0006] Furthermore, with the smoker disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to check the state of the smoke during smoking, smoke and odors leak from the top lid, and there are also problems with the durability of the container.

[0007] Therefore, the inventors have devised a smoking container that solves the problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology, is easy to carry, does not leak smoke or odors, and is highly durable, and have filed a utility model registration application as shown in Patent Document 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3202732 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-84879 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3236396 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The smoking container disclosed in Patent Document 3 above is easily portable, does not leak smoke or odor, and is highly durable, but there has been a demand for a smoking container that can produce smoked foods more efficiently.

[0010] That is, the object of the present invention is to provide a smoking container that is easy to carry, does not leak smoke or odor, is highly durable, and can efficiently produce smoked foods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the inventors of the present invention have studied the configuration and structure of a smoking container.

[0012] First, we found that the smoking container has two or more smoke inlet ports, which are through-holes for introducing smoke into the storage container, on the side of the storage container and the top surface of the lid, and that by allowing a conduit for sending smoke to be inserted through either port, it is possible to easily introduce smoke into the storage container regardless of the shape or form of the item to be smoked, or how it is positioned.

[0013] We also discovered that by connecting a smoke-blowing nozzle to the tip of the conduit inside the container and having at least one, and preferably multiple, smoke-blowing outlets on the nozzle, smoke can be injected quickly and widely into the container, allowing smoked foods to be produced efficiently.

[0014] Furthermore, it was discovered that by providing one or more layers of metal mesh inside the container, many smoked foods can be produced efficiently.

[0015] The present invention was completed based on these findings and further investigation. [1] A smoking container consisting of a container and a lid and equipped with smoke generating means, The container has an open top, The lid can cover the top surface of the container and can seal the inside of the container, The container and the lid are partly or entirely made of a transparent or translucent material, The smoke generating means is installed outside the smoking container, and is provided with a smoke inlet on the top surface of the lid or on the side surface of the container, which is a through-hole for introducing smoke from the smoke generating means; a conduit for introducing the smoke from the smoke generating means into one of the smoke inlet ports; A smoke blowing nozzle is connected to the tip of the conduit and to the inside of the container, The smoke blowing nozzle has at least one smoke blowing outlet. A smoking container characterized by: [2] The smoking container according to [1], characterized in that the smoke injection port is provided on the top surface of the lid and on the side surface of the container. [3] In the above [1] or [2], the smoking container is characterized in that the length from the smoke injection port to the tip of the smoke blow-out nozzle can be freely changed. [4] In any one of [1] to [3], the smoke outlet of the smoke outlet nozzle connected to the conduit inserted from the smoke inlet provided on the side of the storage container is characterized in that it is open upward. [5] In any one of [1] to [4], the smoking container according to claim 1, characterized in that the transparent or translucent material is made of plastic or glass. [6] In any one of [1] to [5] above, a smoking container is characterized in that it has a handle on the top surface of the lid or on the side of the container, the lid and the container have a structure that allows them to be connected to each other, and at least one of the lid and the container has a gasket at the contact point. [7] In any one of [1] to [6] above, a smoking container characterized in that a container stand for supporting the entire container is provided at the bottom of the container. [8] In any one of [1] to [7] above, a smoking container characterized in that a metal mesh is provided inside the storage container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The invention makes it possible to easily carry the device, check the smoking status, and produce smoked foods easily and efficiently.Furthermore, it improves the ease of storing and removing the smoked items and smoked foods, and also has the effect of providing excellent sealing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of how the smoking container of the present invention is used (using the lower injection port on the side of the container). [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a smoking container according to the present invention (with a storage container mounting base). FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of how to use the smoking container of the present invention (using the upper injection port on the side of the container). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of how the smoking container of the present invention is used (using the injection port of the lid). [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing examples of smoke outlet nozzles of a smoking container according to the present invention, in which (a) is an example with one smoke outlet, and (b) is an example with multiple (four) smoke outlets. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the appearance of the smoking container of the present invention (with a net installed inside the container). [Figure 7] This is a front view showing another example of how to use the smoking container of the present invention (a net is installed inside the container and the upper injection port on the side of the container is used). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [Smoking container] As shown in Figure 1, the smoking container 1 of this invention consists of a container 2 and a lid 3, with a smoke generator 6, which is a smoke generating means, installed on the outside. A smoke inlet 5 is provided for inserting a conduit 7 that introduces smoke generated by the smoke generator 6 into the container 2, and a smoke outlet nozzle 9 having at least one smoke outlet 10 is connected to the tip of the conduit 7, inside the container 2.

[0019] [Storage container and lid] The container 2 is preferably box-shaped, with an open top and a bottom and four sides, but is not limited thereto. It may be a common box shape, such as a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylindrical shape, as long as it can accommodate the items to be smoked 4 inside. The size is not particularly limited, but a size that is easily portable is preferred, with external dimensions of, for example, 200 mm to 700 mm in width, 200 mm to 700 mm in depth, 100 mm to 500 mm in height, and a surface thickness of 5 mm to 50 mm. It is preferable to provide a smoked item receiver 14, which is a tray for storing the items to be smoked 4. Furthermore, a smoked item hanger 15 may be provided for suspending the items to be smoked 4 inside the container 2 from the inside of the lid 3.

[0020] The lid 3 covers the top surface of the container 2, and it is preferable to provide a packing 13 at the contact point between the lid 3 and the container 2 so as to make it possible to seal the inside of the container 2. For example, by providing a packing 13 without any gaps over the entire contact point between the lid 3 and the container 2, the seal is improved and smoke and odors do not leak to the outside. This packing is preferably made of a material such as rubber, and examples of such materials include styrene-based elastomers and olefin-based elastomers.

[0021] The container 2 and lid 3 are formed partly or entirely from a transparent or translucent material. This transparent or translucent material is preferably made of plastic or glass. For example, plastic materials include polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and acrylic resin (PMMA). Glass materials include borosilicate glass and soda-lime glass. In either case, it is preferable to use a material that has a certain degree of strength and excellent durability.

[0022] These materials are used to form part or all of the container 2 and lid 3. It is preferable that at least part of the side of the container 2 or part of the lid 3 be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material, but it is also fine to make it entirely of one. In order to monitor the smoking status, it is more preferable that at least half of the entire container be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material.

[0023] The smoked item receiver 14 installed inside the storage container 2 is a receiver for placing the food item 4 to be smoked on, and its structure is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the smoked item 4 and has a shape that fits inside the storage container 2.For example, it may be a plate-shaped object made of a metal material such as stainless steel, or it may be a mesh-like structure.

[0024] To facilitate easy transport of this smoking container 1, it is preferable to provide a handle 8 on the side of the lid 3 or the storage container 2. There are no particular limitations on the location where the handle 8 is attached, but it is preferable to provide it in a stable position so that the smoking container 1 does not tilt when lifted, for example, near the center of the lid 3 as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] [Smoke generator] Next, the smoke generator 6, which is the smoke generating means, is not particularly limited as long as it is a device that can generate smoke by burning wood chips (saw dust) such as cherry or oak. As shown in Figure 1, small smoke generators are commercially available and can be used. Commercially available smoke generators include the smoker / smoking gun "BKLN DINNER (registered trademark)," the Versos food smoker "VS-KE60," and the Greenhouse smoke maker "GH-SMKAA-SV." It is preferable to install the smoke generator 6 outside the smoking container 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0026] [Conduit, smoke inlet, smoke outlet nozzle, smoke outlet] To introduce smoke from outside the smoking container 1, it is necessary to provide a conduit 7 for guiding the smoke from the smoke generator 6 to the smoking container 1 and a smoke inlet (hereinafter simply referred to as the "inlet") 5 for inserting the conduit 7 into the smoking container 1. The conduit 7 is preferably made of a flexible material such as a rubber pipe or a PVC pipe.

[0027] Furthermore, to prevent the smoke introduced into the container from leaking out through the inlet 5, it is preferable to provide a connector (not shown) that is designed to tightly fit the inlet 5 to the conduit 7. It is preferable to prepare several different shapes of connectors so that they can be replaced depending on the shape (pipe diameter, etc.) of the conduit 7. The connector is preferably made of rubber or the like, and is preferably shaped like a lid with a cross-shaped notch on the surface to improve adhesion.

[0028] It is preferable to provide at least one smoke injection port 5 on each side of the lid 3 and the container 2. Specifically, multiple ports are provided as shown in Figures 1 to 4. In the example of usage shown in Figure 2, two injection ports 5a and 5b are provided on the top and bottom of one side of the narrow side of the container 2, and one injection port 5c is provided in the center of the top surface of the lid 3 on the top surface of the container 2.

[0029] For example, Figure 1 shows an example of a configuration for use in a smoking container 1 that utilizes an inlet 5b on the lower side of the container. Smoke generated by a smoke generator 6 located on the outside of the smoking container 1 is introduced into the container 2 through a conduit 7 inserted into the inlet 5b.

[0030] A smoke blow-out nozzle (hereinafter simply referred to as "nozzle") 9 is connected to the tip of the conduit 7, inside the container 2. This nozzle 9 is provided with at least one smoke blow-out outlet (hereinafter simply referred to as "outlet") 10. This outlet 10 is preferably shaped to open upwards in order to efficiently and uniformly fill the container with smoke. Specific examples of nozzle and outlet shapes are shown in Figure 5. Figure 5(a) shows an example of an outlet 10 with an upward extending shape, and Figure 5(b) shows an example of an outlet 10 with four openings on the nozzle.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length from the injection port 5 to the tip of the nozzle 9 be adjustable. By making it adjustable, the distance between the material to be smoked and the outlet can be freely changed, allowing the smoking conditions to be controlled. In order to change the position of the tip of the nozzle 9, it is preferable to provide wheels on the underside of the nozzle 9 for movement, as shown in Figures 1 and 5.

[0032] In FIG. 1, a container mounting base 11 is provided to support the entire container in order to align the position of the conduit 7 of the outer smoke generating device 6 with the position of the injection port 5b.

[0033] Next, Figure 3 shows another example of a configuration for use, showing a smoking container 1 that utilizes an inlet 5a on the upper side of the container 2. This is an example of use when smoking is performed by suspending the item 4 to be smoked above the container 2 using a smoking item hanger 15.

[0034] 4 shows another example of a configuration for use of the smoking container 1, which utilizes the inlet 5c on the top surface of the container. This is an example of use when the object to be smoked 4 is placed in the container 2 on the object receiving device 14, and smoke is introduced from above to smoke the object.

[0035] In addition, when one of the multiple smoke injection ports 5 is used for inserting a conduit, it is preferable to set a plug (cap) on the injection port to prevent smoke from leaking from the other unused injection ports.

[0036] The container 2 is covered with the lid 3, and a structure for connecting the lid and the container is provided to seal the inside. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the lid 3 is provided with retaining members 12 at least in multiple places, preferably in four places on all four sides, for fitting into the container 2, which press the lid 3 down and, using the aforementioned packing 13, completely prevent the leakage of smoke and odors.

[0037] [Multi-stage metal mesh (inside the container)] It is preferable to provide one or more tiers of metal netting 16 inside the container 2. This netting 16 is provided for placing the items to be smoked on. Although three tiers of metal netting 16 are provided in Figures 6 and 7, there is no particular limit to the number of tiers as long as one to several tiers can be installed inside the container. Furthermore, even if there is only one tier, it may be placed anywhere from the top tier to the bottom tier. The position where the netting is placed can be selected depending on the size, shape, etc. of the items to be smoked.

[0038] The shape of each net is slightly smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional size of the inside of the container, so that it can be easily installed and removed from the container. In the case of multiple nets, the sizes of the nets may or may not be the same.

[0039] The basic structure is preferably a grid or mesh-like arrangement of metal (preferably stainless steel) rods arranged at intervals. The grid or mesh allows for good passage of smoke, enabling efficient production of smoked products. A hanging device for the product to be smoked can also be installed on the top mesh.

[0040] In order to stabilize each net when it is placed inside or outside the container, it is preferable to provide convex protruding portions on the lower side at four locations near the four corners of each net.

[0041] Furthermore, inside the container there are provided shelves (hooks) for placing the metal net on. The shape of these shelves (hooks) is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide, for example, four shelves (hooks) at the same height inside the container so that the ends of the net can be hung on them. [Example]

[0042] The following describes a method for producing smoked foods using the smoking container of the present invention, taking as an example an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the content of the example described below.

[0043] A transparent box container made of polypropylene (PP) (external dimensions: width 540 mm x depth 390 mm x height 240 mm) was prepared as the smoking container 1. This container has a handle 8 attached to the lid 3 on the top surface, and also has a pressing member 12 for fitting the lid 3 into the storage container 2. A metal holder 14 for the material to be smoked was placed inside the storage container 2, and the entire storage container 2 was set on a storage container stand 11.

[0044] Next, using a commercially available small smoke generator 6, its conduit 7 was inserted into the container through the smoke inlet 5b located on the underside of one of the narrower sides of the box container. A rubber connector corresponding to the shape of the conduit 7 was prepared and fitted into the inlet 5b. A cross-shaped notch was made in the connector to prevent the smoke from flowing back. A gasket 13 made of a styrene elastomer was also attached to the entire area of ​​the lid 3 that came into contact with the container 2.

[0045] A smoke blowing nozzle 9 was connected to the tip of the conduit. The nozzle 9 was provided with one blowing outlet 10 that was open on the top side, and a wheel on the bottom side was provided to allow the position of the blowing outlet 10 to be freely changed.

[0046] Processed foods such as cheese, salted salmon, and boiled squid were placed inside the container 2 as the item 4 to be smoked. Smoke was generated from an external smoke generator 6 using wood chips such as cherry or oak, and the smoke was introduced into the container 2 from the outlet 10 of a nozzle 9 through a conduit 7. The smoke was introduced while changing the position of the outlet 10 while observing the smoking status. The smoke immediately filled the container, but did not leak out.

[0047] After repeating this process for just a few tens of seconds two or three times, the smoke generation was stopped and the state of the smoked food was checked. As a result, smoked item 4 had a sufficient flavor and aroma. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 smoking container 2 Storage Container 3 Lid 4. Smoked products 5 Smoke inlet 5a Upper inlet on the side of the container, 5b Lower inlet on the side of the container, 5c Inlet on the lid 6 Smoke generator 7 Conduit 8 Handle 9 Smoke blowing nozzle 10 Smoke outlet 11 Storage container stand 12 Presser member 13 Gasket 14 Smoked food holder 15 Hanging device for smoking items 16 Metal mesh

Claims

1. A smoking container comprising a container and a lid and equipped with smoke generating means, The container has an open top, The lid can cover the top surface of the container and can seal the inside of the container, The container and the lid are partly or entirely made of a transparent or translucent material, The smoke generating means is installed outside the smoking container, and is provided with a smoke inlet on the top surface of the lid or on the side surface of the container, which is a through-hole for introducing smoke from the smoke generating means; a conduit for introducing the smoke from the smoke generating means into one of the smoke inlet ports; A smoke blowing nozzle is connected to the tip of the conduit and to the inside of the container, The smoke blowing nozzle has at least one smoke blowing outlet. A smoking container characterized by:

2. 2. The smoking container according to claim 1, wherein at least one smoke inlet is provided on the top surface of the lid and at least one smoke inlet is provided on the side surface of the container.

3. 3. The smoking container according to claim 1, wherein the length from the smoke inlet to the tip of the smoke blow-out nozzle is freely adjustable.

4. The smoking container according to claim 1, characterized in that the smoke outlet of the smoke outlet nozzle connected to the conduit inserted from the smoke inlet provided on the side of the storage container is shaped to open upward.

5. 2. The smoking container according to claim 1, wherein the transparent or translucent material is made of plastic or glass.

6. 2. The smoking container according to claim 1, characterized in that a handle is provided on the top surface of the lid or on the side of the storage container, the lid and the storage container have a structure that allows them to be connected to each other, and a gasket is provided at the contact portion of at least either the lid or the storage container.

7. 2. The smoking container according to claim 1, wherein a container stand for supporting the entire container is provided at a lower portion of the container.

8. 2. The smoking container according to claim 1, wherein a metal mesh is provided inside the container.

Images