Food pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a food pack in which the movement of the contents thereof is unlikely to be suppressed during cooking, and which enables cooking similar to that done in a rice cooker or mess tin.　The food pack comprises an inner pouch which contains a prescribed amount of uncooked grain and an outer pouch which accommodates the inner pouch and which is vacuum-packed. The inner pouch is constituted from a material that enables heating in water. The uncooked grain can be cooked by opening the outer pouch, introducing water or broth into the inner pouch, and performing heating in water.

Description

Food packs

[0001] The present disclosure relates to food packs.

[0002] In addition to rice packs containing pregelatinized rice for use in emergencies, camping, and the like, rice storage bags that can be used to cook raw rice are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum pack in which rice is placed in a heat-resistant zippered packaging bag and heat-sealed. With this vacuum pack, the rice can be cooked by cutting the seal, opening the zipper, pouring in water, closing the zipper, and then placing the bag in a hot water bath.

[0003] JP 2015-221670 A

[0004] In the case of the vacuum pack of Patent Document 1, the vacuum pack is formed by sealing all four sides of a single bag. Furthermore, in the vacuum pack of Patent Document 1, a zipper is used to open and close the bag for pouring water and boiling in hot water, so the entire packaging bag needs to be flat. This poses a problem in that the movement of the contents, such as rice, during cooking (so-called rice jumping) is suppressed.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a food pack that is less likely to inhibit the movement of contents during cooking and allows cooking similar to that performed in a rice cooker or rice cooker.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a food pack is provided which includes an inner bag containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grains, and an outer bag which contains the inner bag and is vacuum-packed, the inner bag being made of a material which can be heated in a hot water bath, and after opening the outer bag, water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag and heated in a hot water bath, thereby enabling the uncooked grains to be cooked.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a food pack that is less likely to inhibit the movement of contents during cooking and allows cooking similar to that performed in a rice cooker or mess kit.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a view showing the food pack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state before packaging; FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a method of using the food pack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a view showing a modified embodiment of the food pack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a view showing the food pack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure in a state before packaging; FIG. 6 is a view for explaining a method of using the food pack according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a view showing a modified embodiment of the food pack according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a modified embodiment of the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This is a perspective view of a food pack 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this food pack 100 includes an inner bag 11 containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grain 12, and an outer bag 21 for containing the inner bag 11 and vacuum-packing it.

[0010] The inner bag 11 is made of a heat-resistant material such as high-density polyethylene or polypropylene. By using such an inner bag 11, the grain 12 can be cooked by pouring water or soup stock into the inner bag 11 containing the grain 12 and boiling it in hot water. Furthermore, by using pre-washed rice or multigrain rice containing pre-washed rice as the grain 12, rice washing is not necessary, and the rice can be cooked by simply pouring in water or soup stock. Of course, if polished rice is used as the grain 12, the rice can be washed using the inner bag 11 as a container.

[0011] The outer bag 21 can be a packaging bag laminated for vacuum packing. The example in Figure 2 shows a packaging bag used for vacuum packing cube-shaped rice. For example, when packing one gou (150 g) of rice, a size of 63.5 mm x 45 mm, the same size as a one-go measure, can accommodate the rice. However, since a separate seal is required for sealing, commercially available packaging bags with an inner circumference of approximately 254 mm and a height of approximately 210 mm that can accommodate one gou (150 g) to three gou (450 g) can be used as the outer bag 21. The "go" in "one gou" is a traditional Japanese unit of measurement.

[0012] Furthermore, a flat, center-sealed vacuum bag can also be used as the outer bag 21. In this case, a small-sized center-sealed bag with a width of approximately 110 mm and a height of 260 mm (for 2 go (300 g)) is known. Such a flat, center-sealed packaging bag can also be used as the outer bag 21.

[0013] The food pack 100 described above can be constructed by placing grain 12 in the inner bag 11, placing the inner bag 11 in the outer bag 21 with the opening facing up, vacuuming it using a vacuum packing machine, and then heat-sealing it (see Figure 1). If the vacuum device has a gas replacement function for nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other gases, this function can be used when vacuuming. This allows oxygen to be removed from the spaces between the grain particles, improving the insect-repellent effect.

[0014] To cook rice more deliciously, it is desirable that the inner perimeter or height (the length from top to bottom of the bag) of the inner bag 11 be as large as possible so as not to hinder the movement of the grains 12 (so-called rice bouncing) during boiling. A gusseted heat-resistant polyethylene bag such as that shown in Figure 2 can be used as such an inner bag. On the other hand, since the outer bag is vacuumed, it is preferable to use a bag of as small a size as possible depending on the amount of grain 12 to be stored. As a result, at least one of the inner perimeter or height of the inner bag is greater than the inner perimeter or height of the outer bag.

[0015] For example, in the case of the aforementioned cube-type vacuum bag, the inner perimeter is 63.5 mm x 4 = 254 mm. In the case of a double-sided vacuum bag, the inner perimeter is 110 mm x 2 = 220 mm. In contrast, if a bag equivalent to standard bag No. 11 (Japanese standard size #11) is used as the inner bag 11, the inner perimeter is 400 mm (200 mm x 2) and the height is 300 mm. Similarly, if a bag equivalent to standard bag No. 12 (Japanese standard size #12) is used, the inner perimeter is 460 mm (230 mm x 2) and the height is 340 mm. Furthermore, if a gusseted bag is used, the inner perimeter increases by the size of the gusset. In this way, by using an inner bag 11 that is sufficiently larger than the outer bag 21, the movement of the grains 12 (so-called rice jumping) during boiling can be prevented from being hindered.

[0016] Depending on the type of inner bag 11, an inner bag 11 having an inner periphery length equal to or less than that of the outer bag 21 may be used. In this case, the height of the inner bag 11 should be greater than the height or inner periphery length of the outer bag 21.

[0017] As described above, because there is a difference in size between the outer bag 21 and the inner bag 11, in the example of Fig. 1, the inner bag 11 is contained in the outer bag 21 with its edge folded irregularly. The opaque portion 13 on the top surface of the grain 12 in Fig. 1 indicates the edge of the inner bag 11 in an irregularly folded state.

[0018] Next, a method of using the food pack 100 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining how to use the food pack of this embodiment. First, cut below the heat seal at the top end of the outer bag 21 with scissors or the like, and remove the inner bag 11.

[0019] Next, after pouring a specified amount of water or soup stock into the inner bag 11, the opening of the inner bag 11 is tied or sealed with a rubber band, clip, or the like. By sealing in this manner, it is possible to prevent the water used for the hot water bath from entering the inner bag 11. Also, by sealing in this manner, water other than drinking water can be used for the hot water bath. Furthermore, if it is recommended to use a rubber band or clip to seal the inner bag 11, the rubber band or clip may be placed in the outer bag or attached to the outside of the outer bag.

[0020] Thereafter, the sealed inner bag 11 is heated in a boiling pot or the like for a predetermined period of time, thereby cooking the grains 12. As described above, by using an inner bag 11 that is as large as possible, the grains 12 will move during the hot water heating (so-called rice dancing), allowing for delicious cooked rice.

[0021] As described above, this embodiment provides a food pack 100 that has good storage stability and can be used to cook delicious rice and other foods. While instant rice and canned foods that do not require water are popular immediately after a disaster, several days after the disaster, it is desirable to provide freshly cooked, more delicious rice to physically and mentally exhausted victims and relief staff. The food pack 100 of this embodiment can be used as a preserved food that can provide more delicious rice during such disasters.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, the food pack 100 of this embodiment uses a tubular outer bag 21, so the amount of grain 12 contained therein can be adjusted within the range of its capacity. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, it is possible to use a form in which a smaller amount of rice is enclosed than in Fig. 1. For example, by enclosing one cup of rice, which is the serving size for one person, and vacuum-packing it, it is possible to provide one serving of rice to each disaster victim.

[0023] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment in which the outer pouch 21 functions as a measuring cup will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a food pack according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a state before packaging. The difference from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is that the outer pouch 21a is provided with measuring markings 22a.

[0024] The scale 22a indicates the amount of water needed to cook the rice and can be attached by printing or by attaching a sticker. The outer bag 21a is designed to be vacuum-resistant, so water can be added. In particular, the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6 use a packaging bag used for vacuum-packing cube-type rice, which has an appropriate thickness and can be used as a measuring cup.

[0025] The amount of water suitable for cooking one gou (150 g) of polished rice is said to be 210 ml, and for pre-washed rice, it is 217.5 ml to 225 ml. If the size of the outer bag 21a is, for example, 7 cm wide and 6 cm deep, the bottom area is 42 cm square. To measure 210 ml of water, a scale should be placed 5 cm from the bottom. Similarly, to measure 225 ml of water, a scale should be placed approximately 5.18 cm to 5.35 cm from the bottom.

[0026] Of course, multiple scale lines 23 may be provided at multiple positions depending on the amount of rice, as shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, when using outer bag 21b with multiple scale lines 23, the amount of water can be adjusted, so the rice in inner bag 11 can be cooked in multiple batches rather than all at once. It is also possible to make porridge (5x porridge). In this case, it is sufficient to print or otherwise provide scales and instructions (for example, "Add 3 cups of water at this position") that allow measuring 750 ml, which is 5 times the amount of rice.

[0027] 6, when in use, water or soup stock is poured into the outer bag 21a and measured, and then the water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag 11. In this way, it becomes possible to pour the water or soup stock accurately without using a dedicated measuring cup or the like.

[0028] According to this embodiment, water can be accurately measured without a measuring cup, making it possible to distribute food in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, after use, the outer bag 21a can be used as a simple cup for brushing teeth, etc.

[0029] 5 to 7, an example was described in which the scale 22a was provided on the side of the outer bag 21a, but a configuration in which a scale (ruler) 24 is provided on the top end of the outer bag 21b of the food pack 100b, as shown in Figure 8, can also be adopted. As described above, when the top end of the outer bag 21b is cut when the food pack 100b is opened, the portion with the scale (ruler) 24 is separated from the main body of the outer bag 21b. By placing this scale (ruler) 24 against the side of the outer bag 21b, the amount of water can be easily measured.

[0030] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example was given in which a packaging bag used for vacuum packing cube-type rice was used as the outer bag, but the outer bag is not limited to this, and bags of other shapes can also be used. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a food pack 100c according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to Figure 9, a stand-up outer bag 21c is used, which can stand on its own. The inner bag 11 containing grain 12 is placed in this outer bag 21c, and the resulting product is vacuum-packed to form a food pack 100c. Although not shown in the example of Figure 9, this stand-up outer bag 21c can also be provided with a scale so that it can be used as a measuring cup.

[0032] [Fourth Embodiment] In the first to third embodiments described above, one inner bag is stored per outer bag. However, a configuration in which multiple inner bags are stored in one outer bag is also possible. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a food pack according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 10, inner bags 11a and 11b containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grain 12 are prepared, and outer bag 21b is used to store and vacuum-pack these inner bags 11a and 11b. Note that in this embodiment as well, it is preferable that at least one of the inner perimeter or height of inner bags 11a and 11b is greater than the inner perimeter or height of outer bag 21b.

[0033] 10, outer bag 21b is provided with scales 22-1 and 22-2 for measuring the amount of water for one inner bag. The lower scale 22-1 is designed to measure the amount of water required for cooking one of inner bags 11a and 11b in a hot water bath. The upper scale 22-1 is designed to measure the amount of water required for cooking both inner bags 11a and 11b in a hot water bath.

[0034] According to this embodiment, rice can be cooked separately in each of the inner bags 11a and 11b contained in one vacuum pack. For example, in the event of a disaster, there may be a shortage of food, and a situation may arise in which two or more people have to share one vacuum pack, or a fixed amount must be divided into multiple batches and cooked in a hot water bath. According to this embodiment, rice can be cooked separately or in multiple batches using the inner bags 11a and 11b. In particular, when two or more people are sharing, each person can eat from a different inner bag, which is advantageous from a hygienic standpoint.

[0035] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present disclosure. For example, the shapes and sizes of the outer bag and inner bag shown in each drawing are examples to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and are not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0036] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the grain 12 placed in the inner bag is explained as an example of pre-washed rice, but the grain that can be cooked in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, food packs can be made containing pre-washed rice, other grains such as mixed grain rice, polished rice, brown rice, and barley.

[0037] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the outer bags 21 to 21c are described as being self-standing packaging bags, but the outer bags 21 to 21c may be packaging bags of other shapes. For example, flat packaging bags may be used as the outer bags 21 to 21c.

[0038] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of this disclosure, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure (including the claims), and further based on the basic technical concepts thereof. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including elements of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the disclosure of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof. In particular, with regard to the numerical ranges described herein, any numerical value or subrange within that range should be construed as specifically described, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of the disclosure of this disclosure, in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure, are also deemed to be included in the disclosures of this application.

[0039] 100, 100b, 100c Food pack 11, 11a, 11b Inner bag 12 Grain 13 Opaque portion 21, 21a, 21b, 21c Outer bag 22a, 22-1, 22-2 Scale 23 Scale line 24 Scale (ruler portion)

Claims

1. A food pack comprising an inner bag containing a predetermined amount of uncooked grains, and an outer bag containing the inner bag and vacuum-packed, wherein the inner bag is made of a material that can be heated in hot water, and after opening the outer bag, water or soup stock is poured into the inner bag and heated in hot water, thereby enabling the uncooked grains to be cooked.

2. The food pack of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner perimeter or height of the inner bag is greater than the inner perimeter or height of the outer bag, and the inner bag is vacuum-packed with its edges folded.

3. The food pack of claim 1, wherein the inner bag is a gusseted heat-resistant polyethylene bag.

4. The food pack of claim 1, wherein the outer bag is a self-standing bag, and after cutting off the top end of the outer bag and removing the inner bag from the outer bag, the outer bag can be used as a measuring cup for measuring the water or soup stock.

5. The food pack of claim 4, wherein the outer bag is provided with a scale for measuring the amount of water or soup stock.

6. A food pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer bag is vacuum packed after gas replacement with nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas using a vacuum device equipped with a gas replacement function.

7. A food pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of said inner bags are housed in each of said outer bags.

8. A food pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cereal comprises pre-washed rice.

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