Fabric cooking bag which is suitable for receiving a food container to be kept hot or cold

Abstract

The invention relates to a fabric cooking bag (10) which is suitable for receiving a food container, the cooking bag (10) being characterised in that it comprises: at least one main casing (20) which is delimited by two pieces of fabric assembled opposite one another, the casing (20) delimiting a central cavity (28) and a plurality of radial cavities (30); a first base insert which is padded by means of a thermal insulator and which is inserted into the central cavity (28) delimited by the main casing (20) in order to form the bottom (12) of the cooking bag (10); and a plurality of radial inserts which are each padded by means of a thermal insulator and which are each inserted into one of the radial cavities (30) delimited by the main casing (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Fabric cooking bag suitable for holding a food container to keep it hot or cold

[0003] Scope of the invention

[0004] This patent application relates to the field of passive cooking, and more particularly to a fabric cooking bag which is suitable for holding a food container to be kept warm for passive cooking, and which is also suitable for keeping foodstuffs cold.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Cooking food generally requires significant energy consumption, especially when heat must be maintained over a long period to achieve thorough cooking.

[0007] Traditional methods rely on the continuous supply of heat by means of a flame, a cooking hob, or other active heating sources.

[0008] However, these methods can lead to overconsumption of energy, high costs, a harmful health impact affecting mainly women and children worldwide, and an increased environmental impact, including deforestation due to the burning of firewood.

[0009] To address these challenges, passive cooking devices, such as Norwegian cookers, have been developed.

[0010] These devices consist of a thermally insulated container that retains the heat of food or liquid that has been previously brought to a boil or to an optimal cooking temperature.

[0011] Thanks to this thermal preservation, it is possible to continue cooking without additional energy input.

[0012] Traditional Norwegian cooking pots often use insulating materials such as hay, wool, or modern structures made of insulating foam or specific polymers.

[0013] However, they have limitations, particularly in terms of thermal performance, practicality, or adaptability to different types of food containers. In addition, existing devices do not always take into account important criteria such as ease of cleaning, compatibility with food standards, or adaptation to mobile use.

[0014] The Applicant further submits that most Norwegian cookers do not allow food to be kept fresh.

[0015] There remains a need for an improved passive cooking device that combines better thermal insulation, a modular and practical design, and features adapted to modern needs while respecting ecological imperatives.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] The present invention aims, in particular, to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. This objective, as well as others that will become apparent from the following description, is achieved with a fabric cooking bag adapted to hold a food container to be kept hot or cold, and which has a base for supporting the food container, an insulating peripheral wall, and an opening for inserting the food container into the bag. The cooking bag is characterized in that it comprises at least:

[0018] - a main envelope delimited by two pieces of fabric assembled opposite each other, the envelope delimiting a central dwelling and a plurality of radial dwellings which each extend radially from said central dwelling,

[0019] - a first base insert which is padded with thermal insulation and inserted into the central compartment defined by the main casing to form the bottom of the cooking bag, and

[0020] - a plurality of radial inserts, each padded with thermal insulation, and each inserted into one of said radial housings delimited by the main envelope to form the insulating peripheral wall of the cooking bag.

[0021] The design of the cooking bag according to the invention, based on a main envelope and insulating inserts, allows for simple and quick manufacturing.

[0022] In addition, the cooking bag is made of fabric, which gives it some flexibility to adapt to different container volumes, ease of cleaning and ease of transport thanks to its limited weight.

[0023] According to other optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination: - the two pieces of fabric which form the main cover each have a circular shape and are joined together opposite each other at their periphery by at least one seam; - the first base insert is delimited by two pieces of fabric which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have a circular shape;

[0024] - each radial insert is delimited by two pieces of fabric which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have an isosceles trapezoidal shape extending radially from a first base arranged opposite the first base insert, to a second radially opposite base;

[0025] - the cooking bag includes a lid which is intended to cover the cooking bag and to obstruct said opening of the cooking bag;

[0026] - The lid includes:

[0027] a pocket formed by two circular pieces of fabric sewn together around their perimeter, and

[0028] an insert which is padded with thermal insulation and which is inserted into said pocket of the lid;

[0029] - the main envelope delimits a casing which extends to the periphery of said envelope and which houses a tightening band to close the opening of the cooking bag;

[0030] - the thermal insulation contained in said inserts comprises beads and / or chips of plastic material, preferably recycled.

[0031] - The fabric and sewing thread used are also adapted to extreme temperatures, with characteristics that vary according to the desired properties. They preferably have properties or have received a treatment that makes them water-repellent, antifungal and / or flame-retardant and tolerate high or freezing temperatures.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for making a fabric cooking bag of the type described above, the method comprising at least: a step of making the inserts, during which the base insert and the radial inserts are made and each insert is padded with thermal insulation,

[0033] a stage in the creation of the main envelope, during which the two pieces of fabric are assembled opposite each other and the central housing is created, leaving an opening for the passage of the base insert, and the radial housings are created, leaving an opening for the passage of each radial insert,

[0034] a step involving the insertion of each insert into its associated housing, delimited by the main envelope, and

[0035] A closing stage during which the central housing and the radial housings are closed to enclose the base insert and the radial inserts respectively. This process also includes a step of filling with insulation. This insulation is obtained by recycling:

[0036] expanded polystyrene;

[0037] expanded and extruded polystyrene (like meat or fish trays).

[0038] This allows for the collection of polystyrene from locations such as Rungis, for example; the polystyrene is then cleaned under very high pressure, either hot or cold, and then shredded into flakes of a certain size (approximately 3 to 5 millimeters). Once clean and washed, these flakes provide optimal insulation. Washing eliminates static electricity and makes the bag filling suitable for industrial-scale use.

[0039] Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, for understanding which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] is an overview of the cooking bag according to the invention, in a configuration closed by its lid;

[0042] [Fig. 2] is a top view of the cooking bag in Figure 1, in an open configuration; [Fig. 3] is a schematic top view that illustrates the seams of the cooking bag in Figure 1;

[0043] [Fig. 4] is a sectional view along line IV-IV of figure 3, which illustrates the main envelope of the cooking bag in figure 1;

[0044] [Fig. 5] is a sectional view along line VV of figure 6, which illustrates a radial insert of the cooking bag of figure 1;

[0045] [Fig. 6] is a schematic top view that illustrates the insertion of the inserts into the envelope of the cooking bag in Figure 1;

[0046] [Fig. 7] is a schematic top view illustrating the lid of the cooking bag in Figure 1;

[0047] [Fig. 8] is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of figure 7, which illustrates the lid of figure 7.

[0048] In the description and claims, the following expressions will be adopted, without limitation:

[0049] "Upper", "lower" and their derivatives in reference to the upper and lower part of the cooking bag when it rests on its bottom in a configuration of use.

[0050] Also, the terms "radial" and "axial" will be used, without limitation, with reference to the central axis A. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0051] Figures 1 and 2 show a fabric cooking bag 10 which is adapted to hold a food container (not shown) to be kept hot or cold.

[0052] The food container is, for example, a pot that has been preheated or a bottle of water that one wishes to keep cool.

[0053] The cooking bag 10 has a lower base 12, visible in figure 2, intended to support the food container, an insulating peripheral wall 14, an upper opening 16 provided for the insertion of the food container inside the cooking bag 10 and a lid 18 which is provided to cap the cooking bag 10 and to obstruct the opening 16.

[0054] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the cooking bag 10 comprises a main envelope 20 which is delimited by a first piece of inner fabric 22 forming an inner wall of the cooking bag 10, and a second piece of outer fabric 24 forming an outer wall of the cooking bag 10.

[0055] The first piece of inner fabric 22 and the second piece of outer fabric 24 each have a circular shape of the same diameter, extend around a central axis A, and are joined together opposite each other by a circular peripheral seam Cl.

[0056] The first piece of internal fabric 22 and the second piece of external fabric 24 of the envelope 20 delimit between themselves a central circular housing 28 and twelve radial housings 30.

[0057] The central housing 28 is delimited by a circular seam C2 which joins the two pieces of fabric 22, 24 of the envelope 20.

[0058] Similarly, the radial housings 30 are delimited by radial seams C3 and a circular peripheral seam C4, which joins the two pieces of fabric 22, 24 of the envelope 20.

[0059] The radial housings 30 are regularly distributed angularly around the central axis A, and each radial housing 30 extends radially from the central axis A, from the central housing 28.

[0060] To ensure its insulation, the cooking bag 10 is equipped with a first base insert 32 made of fabric which forms a circular disc and which is padded with thermal insulation 34.

[0061] The base insert 32, visible in section in figure 4, is delimited by a first piece of fabric 36 and a second piece of fabric 38 which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have a circular shape.

[0062] The base insert 32 is arranged inside the central housing 28 delimited by the main envelope 20 to form the bottom of the cooking bag 10.

[0063] In addition, the cooking bag 10 is equipped with twelve radial fabric inserts 40, visible in figures 5 and 6, which are each padded with thermal insulation 34. Each radial insert 40 is delimited by a first piece of fabric 42 and a second piece of fabric 44 which are sewn together at their periphery.

[0064] As can be seen in Figure 6, each radial insert 40 has an isosceles trapezoidal shape which extends radially from a first base 46 arranged opposite the base insert 32, to a second radially opposite base 48.

[0065] Also, each radial insert 40 is arranged in one of the radial housings 30 delimited by the main envelope 20 to form the insulating peripheral wall of the cooking bag 10.

[0066] Figures 7 and 8 show the lid 18 of the cooking bag 10.

[0067] The cover 18 includes a pocket which is formed by a first piece of fabric 50 upper and a second piece of fabric 52 lower which each have a circular shape and which are sewn together at their periphery by a seam C7.

[0068] Also, the lid is fitted with a fabric insert 54 which forms a circular disc and is padded with thermal insulation 34.

[0069] The insert 54 is delimited by a first piece of fabric 56 and a second piece of fabric 58 which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have a circular shape.

[0070] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3, the main envelope 20 of the cooking bag 10 delimits a casing 60 which extends around the periphery of the envelope 20 and which forms a passage for a drawstring 62, or drawstring, to close the opening 16 of the cooking bag 10.

[0071] The casing 60 is formed by two circular seams C5, C6 which extend around the central axis A.

[0072] Finally, the cooking bag 10 is equipped with two fabric handles 64 which are assembled by sewing onto the cover 20 of the cooking bag 10, on either side of the cooking bag 10.

[0073] Preferably, the handles 64 are interposed between the first piece of inner fabric 22 and the second piece of outer fabric 24 of the cover 20 of the cooking bag 10 before being sewn.

[0074] It should be noted that the thermal insulation 34 contained in the various inserts 32, 40, 54 includes beads or flakes of recycled plastic material.

[0075] These beads are obtained from extruded polystyrene, such as the polystyrene found in meat or fish trays. Such trays, due to their density, lightness, and insulating properties, make a very interesting base material. These trays are washed and shredded into chips or beads ranging from 3 millimeters to centimeters in size. This results in a product density (filling) sufficient for insulation, a very light weight, and optimal adaptability by filling each compartment only halfway (allowing each compartment to better conform to the shape of the pan or the food inside). The Applicant claims to be the only company using recycled plastic materials for its Norwegian cookers and to have developed this technique in-house.

[0076] Another advantage of recycled plastic materials as insulation is that, due to washing with water, the plastic chips or balls lose at least half of their static electricity, which makes them easier to handle and speeds up the filling of the pouches and therefore production costs.

[0077] When all the steps are followed, this allows the bags to keep a boiling liquid (100 degrees) at over 65 degrees Celsius for more than ten hours (which complies with European, UN, and American food preservation standards).

[0078] Similarly, the bag according to the present invention keeps frozen food at a temperature below 0 degrees Celsius for more than ten hours.

[0079] The cooking bag 10 according to the invention is made following a manufacturing process which includes a first step of making the inserts 32, 40, 54, during which the inserts 32, 40, 54 are made as described above and each insert 32, 40, 54 is padded with the thermal insulation 34.

[0080] Following the step of producing the inserts 32, 40, 54, the process includes a step of producing the main casing 20 of the cooking bag 10, during which the first piece of inner fabric 22 and the second piece of outer fabric 24 are joined together with the peripheral seam CL

[0081] Still during the stage of making the envelope 20, the central housing 28 is made by leaving an opening 66 for the passage of the base insert 32, and the radial housings 30 are made by leaving an opening 68 for the passage of the radial inserts 40.

[0082] For this purpose, as can be seen in figure 6, the C2 seam of the central housing 28 is partially made to allow the insertion of the associated insert 32, the radial seams C3 are made to delimit the radial housings 30 and the peripheral seam C4 is partially made to allow the insertion of the radial inserts 40.

[0083] The stage of making the envelope 20 is followed by a stage of inserting the central insert 32 and the radial inserts 40 into their respective housing 28, 30.

[0084] After arranging the central insert 32 and the radial inserts 40, the C2 seam of the central housing 28 and the peripheral seam C4 are completed to enclose the inserts 32, 40 respectively, during a closing step.

[0085] The method according to the invention also includes a step for making the lid 18, a step for attaching the handles 64, and a step for making the drawstring 60 by means of the two seams C5, C6. Thus, the cooking bag 10 according to the invention has a design that offers several advantages. Indeed, the cooking bag is made of fabric, which gives it a certain flexibility to adapt to different container volumes, ease of cleaning, and ease of transport thanks to its light weight.

[0086] Also, the cooking bag can be made from recycled fabric and recycled insulation.

[0087] Furthermore, the design of the cooking bag according to the invention, based on a main envelope and insulating inserts, allows for simple and rapid manufacturing.

[0088] Naturally, the invention described above is by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is capable of carrying out different embodiments of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

Demands 1. A cooking bag (10) made of fabric which is suitable for holding a food container to be kept hot or cold, and which has a base (12) intended to support the food container, an insulating peripheral wall (14) and an opening (16) provided for inserting the food container into the bag, the cooking bag (10) being characterized in that it comprises at least: a main envelope (20) delimited by two pieces of fabric (22, 24) assembled opposite each other, the envelope (20) delimiting a central housing (28) and a plurality of radial housings (30) which each extend radially from said central housing (28), a first base insert (32) which is padded by means of thermal insulation (34) and which is inserted into the central housing (28) delimited by the main envelope (20) to form the bottom (12) of the cooking bag (10), and a plurality of radial inserts (40) which are each padded with thermal insulation (34) and which are each inserted into one of said radial housings (30) delimited by the main envelope (20) to form the insulating peripheral wall (14) of the cooking bag (10).

2. Cooking bag (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two pieces of fabric (22, 24) which form the main envelope (20) each have a circular shape and are joined together opposite each other at their periphery by at least one seam (Cl).

3. Cooking bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first base insert (32) is delimited by two pieces of fabric (36, 38) which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have a circular shape.

4. Cooking bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each radial insert (40) is delimited by two pieces of fabric (42, 44) which are sewn together at their periphery and which each have an isosceles trapezoidal shape extending radially from a first base (46) arranged opposite the first base insert (32), to a second radially opposite base (48).

5. Cooking bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a lid (18) which is provided to cover the cooking bag (10) and to obstruct said opening (16) of the cooking bag (10).

6. Cooking bag (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the lid (18) comprises: a pocket which is formed by two pieces of circular fabric (50, 52) which are sewn together at their periphery, and an insert (54) which is padded by means of a thermal insulator (34) and which is inserted into said pocket of the lid (18).

7. Cooking bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main envelope (20) delimits a casing (60) which extends to the periphery of said envelope (20) and which houses a tightening band (62) to close the opening (16) of the cooking bag (10); 8. Cooking bag (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal insulation (34) contained in said inserts (32, 40, 54) comprises plastic material beads.

9. A method for making a cooking bag (10) out of fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising at least: a stage of making the inserts (32, 40), during which the base insert (32) and the radial inserts (40) are made and each insert is padded with the thermal insulation (34), a step of making the main cover (20), during which the two pieces of fabric (22, 24) are assembled opposite each other and the central housing (28) is made by providing an opening (66) for the passage of the base insert (32), and the radial housings (30) are made by providing an opening (68) for the passage of each radial insert (40), a step of inserting each insert (32, 40) into its associated housing (28, 30) delimited by the main cover (20), and a closing step during which the central housing (28) and the radial housings (30) are closed to enclose the base insert (32) and the radial inserts (40) respectively.

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