Apparatus for preparing food and packaging

Abstract

An apparatus for preparing food, particularly a snack, comprising a preparation chamber (30) for receiving the food therein which is enclosed by an outer casing (10). Heating means (50) are provided for creating and maintaining an increased preparation temperature in the preparation chamber, as well as air displacing means (38) which are able and configured to create and maintain a circulating airflow (L) through the preparation chamber. A ventilating product holder (20) protrudes into the preparation chamber at least substantially transversely of the airflow and is removable from the preparation chamber. The product holder comprises a ventilating compartment (45) which provides space for a heat-resistant packaging (40) which is permeable to the airflow. The food to be prepared is present in the packaging (40).

Description

[0001] Apparatus for preparing food and packaging

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing food, particularly a snack, comprising a preparation chamber for receiving the food therein which is enclosed by an outer casing, heating means for creating and maintaining an increased preparation temperature in the preparation chamber, and air displacing means which are able and configured to create and maintain a circulating airflow through the preparation chamber, wherein a ventilating product holder protrudes into the preparation chamber at least substantially transversely of the airflow and is removable from the preparation chamber. The invention also relates to a packaging for the food to be prepared.

[0003] Such a device is for instance described in European patent application EP 1.867.264 and by now is generally known as airfryer®, which is usually understood to mean a relatively compact stand-alone convection oven for preparing meals, particularly snacks, for home use. The absence of oil or grease for the purpose of heat transfer to the food to be prepared particularly explains its great popularity in many households in possession of such an apparatus. It is substantially the passing hot airflow alone that results in cooking and / or heating of the food to be prepared. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in demand for a similar food preparation platform in industrial kitchens and the hospitality industry as well.

[0004] A drawback of the known device when used professionally is formed by the product holder, which must be cleaned or exchanged between each set of meal distributions in order to prevent cross-contamination. This is time-consuming and part of the reason why a similar apparatus has not been a resounding success in the hospitality industry as of yet.

[0005] The present invention has for its object, among others, to open up particularly professional kitchens, more specifically the hospitality industry, to use of an apparatus of the above discussed type.

[0006] In order to achieve the stated object an apparatus of the type described in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the product holder comprises a ventilating compartment which provides space for a heat-resistant packaging which is permeable to the airflow, in which ventilating packaging the food to be prepared is present. The food is thus held in an individual packaging, and prepared and preferably also distributed in this same packaging. This prevents or at least reduces the chances of contamination of the product holder whereby the food is introduced into the apparatus or is removed therefrom. This can here furthermore particularly be a frozen portion pack which can serve for both preparing and serving the food enclosed therein. This provides significant advantages from a logistical viewpoint in particular, which advantages make application of the apparatus according to the invention readily practically possible and scalable both in cafeterias and snack bars and for instance at festivals and other festivities. In a particularly practical embodiment the apparatus has the feature according to the invention that the product holder comprises a carriage which slides in the preparation chamber along an at least substantially linear guide. The product holder can here thus be introduced into and removed from the preparation chamber upright in a smooth linear movement. The guide here guides the product holder with the compartment to an optimal position in the airflow.

[0007] In a particular embodiment the apparatus is characterized according to the invention in that an air-permeable grate extends transversely of the airflow in the preparation chamber, which air-permeable grate forms a roof of the product holder which confines the packaging in the product holder when the product holder is placed in the preparation chamber. The packaging is thus fixed in the product holder during preparation and a particularly powerful hot airflow therethrough becomes possible in order to be able to cook or at least prepare the product in a relatively short amount of time.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the apparatus has the feature according to the invention that the ventilating packaging is received at least substantially snug-fitting ly in the compartment of the product holder. Due to the snug fit, the packaging can be arranged in the product holder only in a correct manner, this contributing to a correct preparation of the food. Above all, the snug fit provides for a certain aerodynamic air resistance around the packaging, whereby the airflow will build up an air pressure under the packaging which lifts the packaging from the product holder. The levitation of the packaging and of the product present therein caused thereby enhances an optimal contact between the airflow and the product.

[0009] This is contributed to further by a particular embodiment of the packaging which has the feature here according to the invention that the packaging has in a top segment remote from a bottom thereof laterally a first contour and is received therewith at least substantially snug -fitti ng ly in the compartment of the product holder, and that the packaging has in a bottom segment adjacent to the bottom laterally a different second contour which releases said snug fit. The pressure drop over the packaging caused by the snug fit of the top segment will thus immediately fall away when the second contour in the bottom segment is reached when the packaging is driven upward by the airflow.

[0010] This results in the packaging falling back into the product holder suddenly, whereby the product is tossed (around). This cycle will then repeat over and over during preparation of the product. A similar tossing (around) of the packaging and the product present therein can be achieved by modulation of the air displacing means. Briefly interrupting these means or even switching flow directions will also result in the packaging repeatedly dropping from a floating state back into the segment of the product holder and then being lifted again.

[0011] A further particular embodiment of the apparatus and of the packaging have the feature according to the invention that the packaging comprises a box which is closed all around and has at least a set of air-permeable walls and particularly only air- permeable walls. Such a box can for instance be stored frozen and take the form of a portion pack. The set of air-permeable walls ensures a sufficient hot airflow through the volume enclosed thereby, wherein one or more first of the set of walls serves as inlet and the other of the set of walls serves as outlet for the airflow. The product can thus be prepared particularly hygienical ly and practically inside a closed packaging, without further physical handling.

[0012] With a view to convenience of use, a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus and of the packaging have the feature according to the invention that the packaging is manufactured from a disposable material such as cardboard and the walls are air- permeable owing to perforations provided therein.

[0013] In a further particular embodiment the apparatus has the feature according to the invention that the heating means comprise in the preparation chamber an air- permeable heating element, which is provided downstream of the product holder and extends transversely of the airflow. The heating element comprises for instance a flat spiral filament which is placed transversely of the airflow and along which the recirculating air flows during operation.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the apparatus has the feature here that an air-permeable pyrolytic catalyst body, which extends transversely of the airflow, is provided in the preparation chamber downstream of the heating element. With this catalyst body, the air flowing therethrough is subjected to a catalytic oxidation whereby organic molecules are converted into substantially carbon dioxide and water, which are both odourless. This results particularly in a catalytic degradation of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons in the circulating airflow, which could otherwise cause annoying odour nuisance in the immediate vicinity.

[0015] The action and efficiency of such a pyrolytic catalyst has been found to increase as the air temperature increases. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus according to the invention is therefore characterized in that the catalyst body is arranged adjacently of the heating element, particularly at least substantially in direct thermal contact. In that case the catalyst body will be kept at an optimal operating temperature by the heating element. Because the catalyst body is placed downstream of the heating element, the airflow flowing through the catalyst body will furthermore have been recently heated upstream thereof and thus allow for a more thorough degradation of contaminants residing therein. It is noted here that where the present invention refers to "downstream" or "upstream", the flow direction of the airflow created by the air displacing means is being referred to.

[0016] In a particular embodiment the apparatus has the feature according to the invention that the heating element and the catalyst body each take up a disc-shaped volume which extends between a set of lateral main sides transversely of the airflow. Such a disc-shaped volume is characterized by a relatively large lateral surface area in proportion to a thickness thereof. The airflow can hereby be distributed over a large surface area, and the airflow experiences only a relatively small pressure drop as a result thereof.

[0017] Particularly good results were achieved with a particular embodiment of the apparatus characterized in that the catalyst element comprises a metal body with an open channel structure which provides for an open communication for the airflow between the two lateral main sides, which open channel structure comprises channel walls, a surface of which is catalytically active for oxidation of organic molecules, particularly aromatics. The channel walls inside this body provide a particularly large contact surface with the airflow in proportion to a thickness of the metal body. This enables a catalytic conversion that is already particularly effective at a limited thickness and limited air resistance.

[0018] The stated catalyst body comprises here particularly a metal body which was formed as such by means of additive deposition of one or more metals and was then sintered to achieve mechanical stability and good internal thermal conduction. This deposition technique, also referred to as 3D printing, allows for a particularly accurate structuring and arrangement of the open channel structure, this contributing to the effectiveness and the efficiency of the final catalyst body.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the apparatus has the feature here according to the invention that the catalyst body comprises the heating element. An optimal thermodynamic interaction is hereby obtained between the heating element on one hand and the catalyst material on the other, and a total pressure drop for the airflow is moreover limited to a single element. In addition, this embodiment also has advantages from a logistical and manufacturing viewpoint in that only a single element need be built in and kept in stock. An additive deposition technique is particularly suitable for covering an (air-)permeable heating element with a suitable metallic compound and so accommodate it wholly in a catalytic metal body in close thermal contact.

[0020] The invention also relates to a heat-resistant ventilating packaging for the food to be prepared in the apparatus, which packaging is characterized according to the invention by a ventilating box body which fits in the ventilating compartment of the product holder of the apparatus, particularly with a snug lateral fit. Such a ventilating packaging allows the hot airflow of the apparatus to penetrate therethrough so as to prepare a food accommodated therein without the food having to be removed therefrom or made accessible in other manner. The lateral snug fit results here in optimal utilization of the airflow, which is in that case unable to escape along the packaging and is forced to choose a path through the packaging. This results in a pressure buildup under the packaging, whereby it is lifted from its starting position and will float in the holder and so allow for optimal contact between the airflow and the product.

[0021] This same packaging can subsequently serve for serving of the product prepared therein. In this respect a particular embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that the food is held therein in a frozen portion, wherein the food particularly comprises a product from a group of potato fries, other snacks, bread products and pasta products. It is particularly for a portion of fries, various snacks, bread products and pasta products, such as pre-baked bread rolls, pasta dishes and pizzas, that the apparatus and the packaging according to the invention are particularly suitable for distribution in cafeterias and snack bars, and for festivals and similar gatherings. The frozen state of the product ensures an optimal shelf life. The prior portioning combined with preparation and distribution of the product without the packaging having to be opened for this purpose moreover provide a particularly efficient subsequent handling and optimal food hygiene.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the packaging has the feature here that a filling of the packaging, irrespective of the food type, is adapted to a fixed, predetermined preparation characteristic of the apparatus. Owing to this adaptation of the contents of the packaging to a fixed, predetermined preparation characteristic of the apparatus, including a preparation temperature and duration, the apparatus requires no further adjustment, irrespective of the product in the packaging. A user need thereby not be concerned with the product type, but can introduce it into the apparatus without any further thought and subject it to a fixed apparatus setting for an adequate preparation.

[0023] In order to enhance filling of the packaging in a mechanized filling line and to prevent product fragments from escaping from the packaging prematurely a particular embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that the box body comprises an air-permeable bottom which is closed externally by a peel-off film. The invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

[0024] Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is an internal cross-section of the apparatus of figure 1;

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a stack of a heating element and catalyst body for use in the apparatus of figure 1;

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of an integration of a heating element in a catalyst body for use in the apparatus of figure 1;

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the catalyst body of figure 2;

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a product holder with therein a product packaging as used in the apparatus of figure 1; and

[0030] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the packaging as used in the product holder of figure 6.

[0031] It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not all drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

[0032] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for preparing food. The apparatus is enclosed by an outer casing 10 of metal or an impact-resistant plastic and rests with a set of legs 11 on a ground surface, such as a tabletop or worktop, in firm and stable manner. On a front side the outer casing 10 comprises an opening into which a removable product holder 20 protrudes. In this example the product holder 20 comprises a carriage with a handle 22 by which the carriage can be slid into and out of the apparatus along a linear guide. The carriage 20 protrudes here with a ventilating compartment into a preparation chamber of the apparatus, and carries in this compartment a packaging with a food to be prepared, see also figure 2.

[0033] The apparatus can be set into operation by means of an operating button 15 with an edge which can be illuminated. The edge of the operating button 15 indicates a status of the apparatus optically. This can optionally be supported by a sound signal. If desired, the apparatus can be equipped with one or more further operating members and / or a more extensive user interface, such as particularly an optionally touch- sensitive image reproduction panel, although, as will become apparent below, the operating button 15 in the apparatus of this example suffices for adequately preparing one or more dishes of varying nature therein.

[0034] The internal construction of the apparatus is shown in cross-section in figure 2. The outer casing 10 is separated from the preparation chamber 30 by a hollow cavity 16. The preparation chamber 30 is situated inside a metal wall 32 which is surrounded by a thermally insulating blanket 35, for instance of mineral wool, glass wool or a polymer foam. The preparation chamber 30 provides a rail 34 which serves as linear guide over which the carriage 20 is received when sliding in and out. Outside the preparation chamber 30 the apparatus comprises an electric motor 36 which drives a rotatably suspended fan 38 in the preparation chamber 30 with an output drive shaft 37 through the wall 32 of preparation chamber 30. The fan 38 forms part of air displacing means which create and maintain a schematically drawn airflow L during operation. This airflow L recirculates through the preparation chamber here via a system of airways in order to heat a product therein.

[0035] In a roof the preparation chamber 30 comprises centrally a passage which is spanned by an electrical heating element 50, followed downstream by a pyrolytic catalyst body 60. The heating element 50 comprises a flat spiral filament and is able to heat air flowing therethrough to a temperature of between 200°C and 300°C. At this temperature the catalyst body is able to catalytically oxidize and degrade volatile hydrocarbons, particularly aromatic compounds, into substantially only odourless components such as oxocarbons and water. The catalyst body 60 is arranged adjacently of the heating element 50 for the purpose of an optimal thermal interaction. Figure 5 shows the catalyst body 60 further in perspective view.

[0036] Just as the flat spiral filament 50, the catalyst body takes up a disc-shaped volume between opposite lateral main surfaces 61, 62, which volume spans the central passage in the roof of the preparation chamber 30. The airflow L is thereby forced to find its way through the catalyst body, which comprises for this purpose an open channel structure 65. The channels thereof open on both main surfaces so that the catalyst body 60 is completely air-permeable, just as the spiral filament 50. The disc-shaped form of catalyst body 60 provides a large active surface and provides for a low pressure drop in addition to a highly efficient conversion of volatile hydrocarbons into a relatively compact volume.

[0037] The channel structure 65 comprises a set of parallel passages in the catalyst body 60, which was composed by means of additive deposition followed by sintering of a catalytically active metal composition. This 3D metal printing technique realizes channel structures with a high thermal conduction. This results in a particularly energy-efficient catalytic process. The shown catalyst body 60 has been found able to remove more than 95% of possible aromatic components from the circulating airflow.

[0038] The internal walls of the channels 65 in the catalyst body 60 are also catalytically active, making the active surface of the catalyst body significantly larger than only a lateral section thereof. This can be increased further by making use of a porous composition which mutually connects the channels and is likewise catalytically active. The spiral filament 50 can here optionally lie buried under the catalyst body so that it is finally integrated wholly in the catalyst body 60 as shown in figure 4.

[0039] As shown in figure 2, the carriage 20 protrudes into the preparation chamber 30 when it is placed. The carriage 20 comprises here a ventilating compartment 25 in which a likewise ventilating packaging 40 can be received. In figure 6 the carriage 20 with the packaging 40 is shown in more detail in perspective view. Air openings in a bottom and wall of the compartment 25 are fully covered by the packaging 40. This forces the airflow L to choose a path through the contents of the packaging 40. Situated therein is the product to be prepared, which is cooked or otherwise prepared therein. The compartment 25 is open at an end surface in order to enable the packaging 40 to be released from the carriage 20, which is then still hot or at least warm, after preparation by simply shaking the carriage.

[0040] An imposed lateral snug fit 31 between packaging 40 and compartment 25 in the carriage 20 provides here for an optimal positioning and seal for the airflow which can only flow along the side with resistance. At the end surface the carriage 20 encounters inside the preparation chamber a closed wall outside the plane of the drawing, this for the purpose of a similar snug fit and seal. This causes an aerodynamic pressure buildup inside the compartment 25 under the packaging 40, whereby this latter is pushed upward by the airflow L and is received against a set of spacers 39 which are arranged on a ventilation grate 24 extending transversely of the airflow L in the preparation chamber, see figure 2.

[0041] This air-permeable grate 24 forms a roof of the product holder 20 and thus confined the packaging 40 in the product holder 20 when product holder 20 is placed in preparation chamber 30. Owing to this fixation of packaging 20 in the product holder, a particularly powerful hot airflow L can be created without the packaging 20 or the product being flung through the preparation chamber 30 in uncontrolled manner. This enables the fan 36 to be turned up to a relatively high number of revolutions in the order of more than 4000 revolutions per minute. The particularly powerful hot airflow L which is generated thereby has been found to cook, bake to completion or otherwise prepare the product from fully frozen state in a particularly short amount of time in the order of just one to several minutes.

[0042] As is shown in figure 2, the packaging is here forced into a controlled and guided levitation inside product holder 30, this ensuring optimal contact between the hot airflow L and the product in packaging 45, which is heated from all sides thereby. A heat-resistant and preferably somewhat flexible seal 26 between cover 24 and product holder 20 confines the product holder 20 between guide 34 and grate 24, and so prevents product holder 20 from rattling therebetween under the influence of the airflow L.

[0043] The packaging used is shown in perspective view in figure 7. The packaging 40 comprises a box body folded from a flat sheet (blank) of heat-resistant cardboard. At least a set of opposite walls 41, 42 of the box is perforated. This results in the ventilating character of the packaging which admits and allows passage of the airflow L. In this example all opposite walls of the box body 45 are provided with openings 45 in this way for the purpose of an optimal distribution and entry of the airflow inside the packaging. In order to fill the packaging with the product in mechanized manner a peel-off film 47 is arranged under the bottom, which film prevents fragments of the product from contaminating a filling line. This film 47 can be removed manually prior to preparation of the product by pulling the film off the packaging 45. A frozen portion of a product to be prepared is held in the packaging, wherein the food particularly comprises a product from a group of potato fries and other snacks. This example is based on a portion of potato fries. A filling of the packaging 40 is in each case adapted to a fixed, predetermined preparation characteristic of the apparatus which is activated by the operating button 15. Adhering thereto for other products as well enables this simple operation with a single button 15 to suffice irrespective of the type of foodstuff being used. At a number of revolutions of fan 36 in the order of 4000- 5000 revolutions per minute the airflow L has been found to have a power such that the product in the packaging, such as particularly a portion of fries, is entrained thereby inside the packaging and, just as the packaging 45, is set into levitation in the airflow L during operation. A portion of potato fries can thus be baked to a crispy, browned finished within 90 seconds with the apparatus, without spreading unpleasant odours in the surrounding area.

[0044] Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only several exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] Besides being used for a portion of fries, the apparatus and a similar packaging optionally adapted specifically to the type of product can also be utilized to prepare or finish other snacks, such as for instance a portion of battered meat snacks or mini eggrolls, as well as bread products and pasta products, such as for instance (mini) bread rolls or (mini) pizzas. Use was made in the example of a simple, uniform preparation, irrespective of the type of food. A product-specific preparation characteristic can however also be applied instead. For this purpose a product identification, for instance in the form of an optically or electromagnetically readable product code, such as a QR code, a barcode or an NFT, is preferably provided on or in the packaging and read by the apparatus when the carriage is placed. Operation by means of a single operating button, without specific product knowledge on the part of the user, also suffices in this case.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for preparing food, particularly a snack, comprising a preparation chamber for receiving the food therein which is enclosed by an outer casing, heating means for creating and maintaining an increased preparation temperature in the preparation chamber, and air displacing means which are able and configured to create and maintain a circulating airflow through the preparation chamber, wherein a ventilating product holder protrudes into the preparation chamber at least substantially transversely of the airflow and is removable from the preparation chamber, characterized in that the product holder comprises a ventilating compartment which provides space for a heat-resistant packaging which is permeable to the airflow, in which ventilating packaging the food to be prepared is present.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the product holder comprises a carriage which slides in the preparation chamber along an at least substantially linear guide.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an air-permeable grate extends transversely of the airflow in the preparation chamber, which air- permeable grate forms a roof of the product holder which confines the packaging in the product holder when the product holder is placed in the preparation chamber.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the ventilating packaging is received at least substantially snug-fitting ly in the compartment of the product holder.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the packaging comprises a box which is closed all around and has at least a set of air-permeable walls and particularly only air-permeable walls.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the packaging is manufactured from a disposable material such as cardboard and the walls are air- permeable owing to perforations provided therein.

7. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating means comprise in the preparation chamber an air-permeable heating element, which is provided downstream of the product holder and extends transversely of the airflow.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that an air-permeable pyrolytic catalyst body, which extends transversely of the airflow, is provided in the preparation chamber downstream of the heating element.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the catalyst body is arranged adjacently of the heating element, particularly at least substantially in direct thermal contact.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the heating element and the catalyst body each take up a disc-shaped volume which extends between a set of lateral main sides transversely of the airflow.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the catalyst element comprises a metal body with an open channel structure which provides for an open communication for the airflow between the two lateral main sides, which open channel structure comprises channel walls, a surface of which is catalytically active for oxidation of organic molecules, particularly aromatics.

12. Apparatus according to one or more of the claims 8-11, characterized in that the catalyst body comprises the heating element.

13. Heat-resistant ventilating packaging for the food to be prepared in the apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by a ventilating box body which fits in the ventilating compartment of the product holder of the apparatus, particularly with a snug lateral fit.

14. Packaging according to claim 13, characterized in that the packaging has in a top segment remote from a bottom thereof laterally a first contour and is received therewith at least substantially snug-fitting ly in the compartment of the product holder, and that the packaging has in a bottom segment adjacent to the bottom laterally a different second contour which releases said snug fit.

15. Packaging according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the food is held therein in a frozen portion, wherein the food particularly comprises a product from a group of potato fries, other snacks, bread products and pasta products.

16. Packaging according to claim 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that a filling of the packaging, irrespective of the food type, is adapted to a fixed, predetermined preparation characteristic of the apparatus.

17. Packaging according to one or more of the claims 13-16, characterized in that the box body comprises an air-permeable bottom which is closed externally by a peel- off film.

Images