Reusable device for cooking popcorn

Abstract

The invention relates to a popcorn cooking device comprising: a tube (32) that extends between upper and lower edges (32.1, 32.2) and has an upper opening (36) defined by the upper edge (32.1), a cover (38) configured to close the upper opening (36), at least one holding system (50) configured to removably hold a tray (40) containing corn kernels in a cooking position, close to or at the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32), and at least one lower opening (48) for at least partially exposing the bottom (46.1) of a tray (40) positioned in the cooking device. This solution makes it possible to use the same cooking device to consecutively cook the contents of a plurality of trays (40).

Description

[0001] Reusable popcorn cooking device

[0002] The present application relates to a reusable popcorn cooking device. This new device aims to improve the one described in document EP1558089.

[0003] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 1 and 2, a storage and cooking device comprises a foldable cardboard box 10 comprising a non-foldable lower part 12 and a foldable upper part 14. Thus, the storage and cooking device is configured to occupy a compact state, visible in part (A) of Figure 1, in which the upper part 14 is folded and folded against the lower part 12 as well as a deployed state, visible in part (B) of Figure 1, in which the upper part 14 is unfolded and offers a large volume above the lower part 12.

[0004] The lower portion 12 comprises a bottom and four lower side walls. The upper portion 14 comprises flaps 16 as well as upper side walls in the extension of the lower side walls. The flaps 16 comprise a fastening system configured to occupy an attached state in which the flaps 16 are connected and kept closed as well as a detached state in which the flaps 16 are not connected and can open so as to allow access to the interior of the box.

[0005] According to an embodiment visible in Figure 2, the storage and cooking device also comprises a tray 18 containing the corn grains to be cooked. This tray 18 comprises a container 20 which has a peripheral edge 20.1 as well as a film 22 connected in a sealed manner to the peripheral edge 20.1 by a hot-melt connection.

[0006] The tray 18 is configured to be positioned in the lower part 12 when the device is in the compact state. In operation, before cooking, the upper part 14 is unfolded to provide a large volume. During cooking, the film 22 separates from the peripheral edge 20.1 and then the corn kernels burst and occupy all the space of the box in the unfolded state.

[0007] This type of device is single-use and generates a lot of waste.

[0008] According to an embodiment described in document US5097107, a storage and cooking device comprises a rigid truncated tube and a tray, containing the corn kernels to be cooked, which forms the bottom of the storage and cooking device. The tray is intimately connected to the tube. Each storage and cooking device comprises a tube and a tray of its own. As previously, this type of device is single-use and generates a lot of waste.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a popcorn cooking device comprising: a tube which extends between upper and lower edges, located respectively in upper and lower transverse planes, and comprises at least one side wall as well as an upper opening delimited by the upper edge. a cover configured to close the upper opening.

[0011] According to the invention, the cooking device comprises at least one lower opening located near or at the lower transverse plane as well as at least one holding system configured to removably hold a tray containing corn kernels in a cooking position, near or at the lower edge of the tube so that the bottom of the tray is at least partially cleared by the lower opening(s).

[0012] Thus, the cooking device is reusable and can be used to successively cook the contents of several trays. This solution helps to reduce the amount of waste. The presence of the lower opening(s) allows the bottom of the tray positioned in the cooking device to be at least partially cleared so as not to alter the cooking process.

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a popcorn storage and cooking device, in a compact state on part (A) and in an expanded state on part (B), illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic section of a popcorn tray,

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a popcorn cooking device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 3, before cooking, Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 3, just after cooking,

[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic section of the popcorn cooking device visible in Figure 3, after cooking, when tasting the popcorn,

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a popcorn cooking device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0020] Figure 8 is a sectional view of an upper portion of the popcorn cooking device seen in Figure 7,

[0021] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a lower portion of the popcorn cooking device seen in Figure 7,

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 7 with the cover positioned below the popcorn storage and cooking device,

[0023] Figure 11 is a sectional view of two popcorn cooking devices nested inside each other,

[0024] Figure 12 is a section of the popcorn cooking device visible in Figure 7 when a tray is inserted,

[0025] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 7 with a tray correctly positioned for cooking,

[0026] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the popcorn cooking device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0027] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking device containing a tray illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0028] Figure 16 is a side view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 15, without the tray,

[0029] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the popcorn cooking device shown in Figure 15 with a tray inserted into the device,

[0030] Figure 18 is a vertical section of the cooking device visible in Figure 15,

[0031] Figure 19 is a sectional view of a lower portion of a cooking device illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a cooking device illustrating one embodiment of the invention. Figure 21 is a vertical section of the cooking device shown in Figure 20.

[0033] According to embodiments visible in Figures 3 to 13, a cooking device 30 comprises a rigid tube 32 which has at least one side wall 34 and an upper opening 36 as well as a cover 38 configured to close the upper opening 36.

[0034] This tube 32 extends between an upper edge 32.1, positioned in an upper transverse plane, which delimits the upper opening 36 and a lower edge 32.2 positioned in a lower transverse plane substantially parallel to the upper transverse plane. In use, the lower edge 32.2 is oriented downwards.

[0035] According to one configuration, the tube 32 is cylindrical or slightly frustoconical, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 19, and comprises a single side wall 34. In the presence of a slightly frustoconical or flared tube 32, it is possible to stack several cooking devices 30 inside each other, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0036] Of course, the invention is not limited to this geometry for the tube 32 which may comprise several side walls. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the tube 32 could have a prismatic horizontal section, such as an approximately square section with rounded corners for example.

[0037] The tubes 32 may have capacities that vary from one tube to another. Thus, the tube 32 visible in Figures 20 and 21 has a lower capacity than that of the tubes 32 visible in Figures 7 to 19.

[0038] The cooking device 30 is configured to receive a tray 40 containing corn kernels to be cooked. This tray 40 comprises a container 42 which has a peripheral edge and a film 44 connected in a sealed manner to the peripheral edge by a hot-melt connection. The container 42 comprises a base 46.1 positioned in a first plane, at least one peripheral collar 46.2 positioned in a plane parallel to the first plane and at least one inclined wall 46.3 connecting the base 46.1 and the peripheral collar 46.2. Before cooking, the film 44 is connected to the peripheral collar 46.2, the corn kernels to be cooked being stored between the container 42 and the film 44.

[0039] This tray 40 is configured to cook the corn kernels and transform them into popcorn in a microwave oven. For this purpose, the tray 40 comprises, at the bottom 46.1 and possibly at the inclined wall(s) 46.3, at least one coating making it possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves generated by the microwave oven and to generate heating causing the cooking of the corn kernels. According to one configuration, the tray 40 has a square shape with rounded corners when viewed from above. Of course, the invention is not limited to this shape for the tray

[0040] 40.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the tray 40 is identical to that of the prior art. Of course, the invention could be used with other trays.

[0042] Whatever the embodiment, the tray 40 has a height corresponding to the dimension separating the base 46.1 and the film 44, a width corresponding to the largest dimension of the peripheral collar 46.2, a first contour C1 corresponding to the external contour of the peripheral collar 46.2 as well as a second contour C2 corresponding to the internal contour of the peripheral collar 46.2 connecting it to the inclined wall 46.3.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 3, the tube 32 has a cross-section (parallel to the upper and lower transverse planes) making it possible to contain at least one tray 40 whose bottom 46.1 is positioned in a transverse plane. According to one configuration, the tube 32 is configured to contain several trays 40 superimposed on each other, as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the tube 32 is designed to be washable and recyclable.

[0045] According to a feature of the invention, the cooking device 30 comprises at least one lower opening 48 located at or near the lower transverse plane as well as at least one holding system 50 configured to hold the tray 40 in a cooking position, near or at the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32 so that the bottom 46.1 of the tray 40 is at least partially cleared by the lower opening(s) 48. The presence of at least one lower opening 48, which at least partially clears the bottom 46.1 of the tray 40, makes it possible not to alter the cooking of the popcorn.

[0046] The holding system 50 is configured to removably hold successively several trays 40 substantially immobile in the tube 32. Thus, the cooking device 30 is reusable and can be used to successively cook the contents of several trays 40. This solution makes it possible to reduce the quantity of waste. Thus, only the tray 40 is not reusable. However, it can be recycled. To optimize cooking, the holding system 50 is configured so that when a tray 40 is held by the holding system, its bottom 46.1 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the lower transverse plane.

[0047] According to one arrangement, the cooking device 30 comprises a single lower opening 48 delimited by the lower edge 32.2.

[0048] The holding system 50 comprises at least one bearing surface 52 positioned in a transverse bearing plane and configured to receive a peripheral collar 46.2 of a tray 40 as well as at least one tab 54 spaced from the transverse bearing plane by a distance substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of a peripheral collar 46.2. Thus, when a tray 40 is positioned in the cooking device 30 and held by the holding system 50, its peripheral collar 46.2 is positioned between the bearing surface(s) 52 and the tab(s) 54.

[0049] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 7 to 13, the cooking device 30 comprises a lower wall 56 secured to the tube 32. This lower wall 56 comprises an orifice 58, substantially centered relative to the tube 32, which has a circumference P58 substantially identical to the second contour C2 of a tray 40 and smaller than the first contour C1. Thus, only the bottom 46.1 and the inclined wall(s) 46.3 of the tray 40 pass through the orifice 58. The peripheral collar 46.2 remains above the lower wall 56. The lower wall 56 comprises at least one rim 60, which extends in a transverse plane over at least a portion of the orifice 58 and forms the bearing surface 52 as well as at least one lateral face 62, substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane, along a circumference P62 substantially identical to or slightly larger than the first outline Cl of the tray 40.The side face 62 is configured to immobilize a tray 40 in a transverse plane. Thus, the rim 60 and the side face 62 form a housing configured to house the peripheral collar 46.2 of a tray 40.

[0050] According to the embodiments visible in Figures 3 to 19, the lower wall 56 also comprises a junction zone 64 connecting each side face 62 and the tube 32. As illustrated in Figure 19, the junction zone 64 is inclined and forms with a transverse plane an angle α greater than 10°. Thus, during cooking, if uncooked grains jump and fall at the junction zone 64, they automatically roll or slide towards the tray 40 due to the inclination of the junction zone 64. According to an embodiment visible in Figures 20 and 21, the tube 32 has, in the lower part, a horizontal section close to that of the side face 62. Thus, the wall 56 does not comprise a junction zone 64 or comprises a very small junction zone 64. Therefore, during cooking, if uncooked grains jump, they systematically fall back into the tray 40.

[0051] According to one configuration, each tab 54 is secured to the lower wall 56, more particularly to its lateral face 62, and located in the extension of the junction zone 64.

[0052] The tube 32, the lower wall 56 and each tab 54 are made from a single piece, in particular from plastic.

[0053] According to a first embodiment visible in Figures 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13, the tube 32 comprises a lateral opening 66 positioned close to the lower edge 32.2 and sized so as to allow a tray 40 to be introduced into the tube 32. This lateral opening 66 is delimited by a lower side 66.1, an upper side 66.2 parallel to the lower side 66.1, a right side 66.3 connecting the lower and upper sides 66.1, 66.2 as well as a left side 66.4, connecting the lower and upper sides 66.1, 66.2, parallel to the right side 66.3. This lateral opening 66 has a plane of symmetry P equidistant from the right and left sides 66.3, 66.4. In the presence of trays 40 with a first substantially square contour Cl, the lower wall 56 comprises four lateral faces 62 symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P.Thus, the lower wall 56 comprises at least two right and left lateral faces 62 symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P, in the extension respectively of the right and left sides 66.3, 66.4 of the lateral opening 66. The holding system 50 comprises a right tab 54 connected to the right lateral face 62, a left tab connected to the left lateral face as well as a front tab 54' connected to the lateral face 62 opposite the lateral opening 66.

[0054] The lateral opening 66 has a height (distance separating the lower and upper sides 66.1, 66.2) equal to or slightly greater than the height of the tray 40 and a width (distance separating the right and left sides 66.3, 66.4) equal to or slightly greater than the width of the tray 40. The height of the lateral opening 66 is dimensioned so as not to allow the passage of popcorn. According to this first embodiment visible in figures 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13, this lateral opening 66 is positioned just above the lower wall 56. The lower side 66.1 is located in the extension of the junction zone 64 of the lower wall 56.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cooking device 30 comprises a guide system 68 configured to guide each tray 40 introduced into the tube 32 via the lateral opening 66 to the cooking position. This guide system 68 is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P.

[0056] This guide system 68 comprises, on either side of the plane of symmetry P, a first inclined guide 70, located in the extension of the right or left tab 54 between said right or left tab 54 and the lateral opening 66, configured to slide the peripheral collar 46.3 of a tray 40 under the tab(s) 54. This first inclined guide 70 has a first end 70.1 oriented towards the lateral opening 66 as well as a second end 70.2 connected to the right or left tab 54, the first end 70.1 being offset towards the upper edge 32.1 of the tube 32 relative to the second end 70.2.

[0057] The guide system 68 also comprises, on either side of the plane of symmetry P, a horizontal guide 72 connected to the right or left lateral face 54 and offset downwards relative to the rim 60 as well as a second inclined guide 74, connecting the horizontal guide 72 and the rim 60, configured to slide the peripheral collar 46.3 of a tray 40 on the support surface(s) 52.

[0058] The horizontal guide 72 is positioned so that when a tray 40 is introduced, when its peripheral collar 46.2 is in contact with the first inclined guide 70, said peripheral collar 46.2 comes into contact with the horizontal guide 72, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0059] The operation of the guide system 68 is described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. When a tray 40 is introduced into the cooking device 30 via the lateral opening 66, its peripheral collar 46.2 bears against the first inclined guide until it comes into contact with the horizontal guide 72, as illustrated in Figure 12. During this movement, the tray 40 is inclined. Following this, the peripheral collar 46.2 slides under the first inclined guide 70 and onto the horizontal guide 72 then onto the second inclined guide 74 until it comes above the rim 60. When the tray 40 is fully introduced and positioned in the cooking position, visible in Figure 13, the tray 40 is substantially horizontal and its peripheral collar 46.2 rests on the rim(s) 60, between the bearing surface 52 and the tabs 54.

[0060] According to a second embodiment visible in Figures 15 to 17, the lateral opening 66 extends from the lower transverse plane and does not include a lower side 66.1. The same is true according to the embodiment visible in Figures 20 and 21. According to this embodiment, the lateral opening 66 is positioned just below the lower wall 56. According to this embodiment, the lateral opening 66 forms an inverted U-shaped notch. According to this embodiment, in addition to the bearing surface 52, the guide system 68 may only include the right and left tabs 54. Optionally, the guide system 68 may include, on either side of the plane of symmetry P, a first inclined guide 70 located in the extension of the right or left tab 54, as indicated previously. According to this embodiment, the horizontal guide 72 and the second inclined guide 74 are not necessary.According to this second embodiment, the support surface 52 and the junction zone 64 are configured so that there remains no opening between the side wall 34 and the tray 40 when the latter is positioned in the cooking position.

[0061] According to this second embodiment, the introduction of the tray 40 is simplified. As illustrated in Figure 17, a simple translation is sufficient to introduce the tray 40 into the cooking device 30. According to another advantage, unlike the first embodiment visible in Figures 7, 9 and 10, when the tray 40 occupies the cooking position, there remains no opening at the level of the side wall 34 above the tray 40.

[0062] According to this second embodiment, the tube 32 comprises at least one stop 84 configured to immobilize the tray 40 when it is in the cooking position. According to a configuration visible in Figures 15 and 18, the lower wall 56 has, near the opening 66, an edge 56.1 which extends the side wall 62 so as to form the contour P62 adapted to the first contour C1 of the tray 40. Between the opening 66 and the edge 56.1, the lower wall 56 is curved downwards so as to form the stop 84. The latter has a first curvature in the direction of insertion of the tray 40, the lower wall 56 approaching the lower transverse plane while moving away from the side opening 66 to reach a minimum distance with the lower transverse plane at the edge 56.1.This first curvature allows the introduction of a tray 40 via the lateral opening 66 to the cooking position and immobilization of the tray 40 in this cooking position, the collar 46.2 of the tray 40 bearing against the edge 56.1. The latter has a curved zone between first and second ends 84.1, 84.2 close respectively to the right and left sides 66.3, 66.4 of the lateral opening 66, the edge 56.1 being the furthest from the lower transverse plane to the right of the first and second ends 84.1, 84.2 and being the closest to said lower transverse plane to the right of a midpoint 84.3 equidistant from the first and second ends 84.1, 84.2.

[0063] Alternatively, the cooking device 30 may not include a lateral opening 66 or a guide system 68. In this case, each tray 40 is introduced into the cooking device 30 via the upper opening 36 and positioned at the level of the holding system 50.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the tube 32 and the cover 38 are separable. According to one configuration, the cover 38 comprises a first face F38 oriented towards the tube 32 when the cover 38 closes the upper opening 36 as well as a second face F38' opposite the first face F38. The cover 38 comprises a handle 76, provided on the second face F38', to be able to manipulate the cover 38. The latter comprises a peripheral rim 78 configured to fit onto the upper edge 32.1 of the tube 32 so as to close the upper opening 36, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0065] The cover 38 comprises, projecting from its first face F38, a circular rib 80 which has an internal diameter substantially equal to the external diameter of the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32 so as to be able to position the cover 38 under the tube 32 so that it closes the lower opening(s) 48, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Alternatively, the rib 80 may not be circular when the tube 32 is not cylindrical or slightly frustoconical. In this case, the rib 80 has an internal section substantially equal to the external section of the lower edge 32.2 of the tube 32. The rib 80 could be provided on the second face F38'.

[0066] According to one arrangement, the tube 32 comprises two diametrically opposed handles 82 to be able to handle the cooking device 30 without burning oneself.

[0067] The cooking device 30 may be sold alone, independently of the trays 40. Alternatively, the cooking device 30 may be sold with one or more trays 40, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0068] The operation of the cooking device is as follows:

[0069] Before the cooking step, a tray 40 is introduced into the cooking device. During the cooking step, the lid 38 is positioned above the tube 32 in order to close the upper opening 36, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Then the cooking device 30 is introduced into a microwave oven. The quantity of corn kernels contained in the tray 40 and the volume of the tube 32 between the tray 40 and the lid 38 are adapted so that all the corn kernels can be transformed into popcorn without being constrained.

[0070] At the end of the cooking step, the cover 38 is removed to clear the upper opening 36. The cooking device 30 is then used as a container for eating the popcorn. To prevent any soiling, the cover 38 is positioned under the tube 32 to close the lower opening(s) 48, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A popcorn cooking device comprising: a tube (32) which extends between upper and lower edges (32.1, 32.2), located respectively in upper and lower transverse planes, and comprises at least one side wall (34) and an upper opening (36) delimited by the upper edge (32.1), a cover (38) configured to close the upper opening (36), characterized in that the cooking device (30) comprises at least one lower opening (48) located at or near the lower transverse plane and at least one holding system (50) configured to removably hold a tray (40) containing corn kernels in a cooking position, near or at the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32) so that the bottom (46.1) is at least partially cleared by the lower opening(s) (48).

2. Popcorn cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single lower opening (48) delimited by the lower edge (32.2).

3. Popcorn cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding system (50) comprises at least one support surface (52) positioned in a transverse support plane and configured to receive a peripheral collar (46.2) of a tray (40) as well as at least one tab (54) spaced from the transverse support plane by a distance substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the peripheral collar (46.2) of the tray (40).

4. Popcorn cooking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a lower wall (56), integral with the tube (32), comprising an orifice (58) which has a periphery (P58) substantially identical to the internal contour (C2) of a peripheral collar (46.2) of a tray (40).

5. Popcorn cooking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower wall (56) comprises at least one rim (60) which extends in a transverse plane over at least part of the orifice (58) and forms the bearing surface (52), at least one lateral face (62) substantially perpendicular to a transverse plane and configured to immobilize a tray (40) in a transverse plane as well as a junction zone (64) connecting each lateral face (62) and the tube (32).

6. Popcorn cooking device according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the tube (32) comprises a lateral opening (66) positioned close to or at the lower edge (32.2) and sized so as to allow a tray (40) to be inserted into the tube (32).

7. Popcorn cooking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the side opening (66) is positioned just below or above the bottom wall (56).

8. Popcorn cooking device according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a guide system (68) configured to guide each tray (40) introduced into the tube (32) via the lateral opening (66) to the cooking position.

9. Popcorn cooking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guide system (68) comprises, on either side of a plane of symmetry (P), a first inclined guide (70) configured to slide a peripheral collar (46.3) of a tray (40) under the tab(s) (54).

10. Popcorn cooking device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guide system (68) comprises, on either side of the plane of symmetry (P), a second inclined guide (74) configured to slide a peripheral collar (46.3) of a tray (40) on the support surface(s) (52).

11. Popcorn cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (38) comprises a peripheral rim (78) configured to fit onto the upper edge (32.1) of the tube (32).

12. Popcorn cooking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (38) comprises a first face (F38) facing the tube (32) when the cover (38) closes the upper opening (36), a second face (F38') opposite the first face (F38) as well as a rib (80), projecting relative to the first or second face (F38, F38'), which has an internal section substantially equal to the external section of the lower edge (32.2) of the tube (32).

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