WO1995032603A1 - Microwave ovenware apparatus, hydrating microwave ovens and microwave water purifier - Google Patents

Microwave ovenware apparatus, hydrating microwave ovens and microwave water purifier Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995032603A1
WO1995032603A1 PCT/US1995/006495 US9506495W WO9532603A1 WO 1995032603 A1 WO1995032603 A1 WO 1995032603A1 US 9506495 W US9506495 W US 9506495W WO 9532603 A1 WO9532603 A1 WO 9532603A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
receptacle
water
lid
food
collecting
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/006495
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Clifford C. Strait, Jr.
Original Assignee
Strait Clifford C Jr
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Strait Clifford C Jr filed Critical Strait Clifford C Jr
Priority to AU26456/95A priority Critical patent/AU2645695A/en
Publication of WO1995032603A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995032603A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/34Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
    • B65D81/3446Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D81/3453Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47JKITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/02Selection of specific materials, e.g. heavy bottoms with copper inlay or with insulating inlay
    • A47J36/027Cooking- or baking-vessels specially adapted for use in microwave ovens; Accessories therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D1/00Evaporating
    • B01D1/0011Heating features
    • B01D1/0017Use of electrical or wave energy
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/647Aspects related to microwave heating combined with other heating techniques
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/80Apparatus for specific applications
    • H05B6/802Apparatus for specific applications for heating fluids
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2581/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3401Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package
    • B65D2581/3429Packages containing a secondary product to be cooked and discharged over the primary product
    • B65D2581/3433Packages containing a secondary product to be cooked and discharged over the primary product to add moisture to the product, e.g. steaming
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S99/00Foods and beverages: apparatus
    • Y10S99/14Induction heating

Definitions

  • This invention relates to microwave ovens and, more particularly, to ovenware elements for use in microwave ovens and which provide hydrating functions and which reduce dehydration for food cooked in microwave ovens and, including food cooked directly in its packaging, whether frozen packaged foods or nonfrozen packaged foods, and microwave water purifiers. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
  • U.S. Patent 3,777,099 discloses method and apparatus for heating or cooking articles in a microwave oven.
  • the microwave oven includes a sloping bottom and a plurality of apertures extending through the bottom at its lowest point and a pan beneath the openings for receiving liquids draining through the openings.
  • Different types of food supporting elements are also disclosed and are supported within the microwave oven.
  • U.S. Patent 3, 854,023 discloses a container or heating member for use in a microwave oven. Included is a liquid absorptive body for absorbing liquids from the food being cooked.
  • U.S. Patent 3,985,990 discloses another type of heating utensil for use in a microwave oven.
  • the utensil includes outer and inner elements, and the inner element, on which food is disposed, includes a plurality of apertures from which liquid drains as cooking takes place.
  • U.S. Patent 3,985,991 discloses a different type of utensil for cooking food in a microwave oven. The absorption of liquids is discussed as in the other above referenced patents.
  • U.S. Patent 3,994,212 discloses a drain pan for use in a microwave oven. The drain pan includes a plurality of ridges extending upwardly from the bottom surface and a groove running perpendicularly to the ridges and grooves. Food being cooked is supported on the ridges, and liquid drains to the grooves and into the central groove.
  • U.S. Patent 4,306,133 discloses another type of utensil for baking meat or fruit pies in a microwave oven.
  • U.S. Patent 4,317,017 discloses a utensil for steam cooking within a microwave oven.
  • the apparatus includes a dish in which water is placed, a pan is placed over the water holding compartment with holes in the pan, and a tray on which food is placed above the pan.
  • the entire cooking apparatus is enclosed so that only the water is subjected to microwave energy. The microwave energy then heats the water and steam from the heated water is in turn used to cook the food.
  • U.S. Patent 4, 871,892 discloses another type of microwave cooking utensil designed for killing salmonella bacteria in liquids during the cooking of poultry. Water is placed in the bottom of a container, and a rack is placed above the surface of the water and food to be cooked is placed on the rack. Microwave energy boils the water and steam from the boiled water kills the salmonella bacteria.
  • U.S. Patent 4,941,401 discloses a fish poaching dish for cooking fish in a microwave oven. Three separate elements are included in the apparatus. There is a base dish with ridges which extend upwardly from the bottom of the dish and which water is placed. There is a rack that is placed in the dish and is supported on the ridges in the bottom of the dish.
  • a rack having a plurality of elongated apertures extending to the bottom of the rack, is placed on the dish and is supported on the ridges in the bottom of the dish. Fish to be poached is placed on the rack.
  • a cover, the third element, is domed and fits on and partially seals the base dish.
  • the apparatus of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing hydrator apparatus for cooking food in a microwave oven to essentially moisten the food as it is being cooked, and to reduce the vapor loss from the food as the food is cooked in a microwave oven. The vapor lost from the food is returned to the cooking atmosphere. This allows the food to absorb the lost vapor or moisture.
  • the invention described and claimed herein comprises hydrator apparatus for a microwave oven which includes cooking elements for receiving food to be cooked in a microwave oven and for providing elements in the cooking ware to reduce the escape of moisture or water vapor from the food as the food is being cooked, and to circulate condensed moisture back to the food and to reduce moisture evaporated from the food being cooked from being lost to the food during the cooking process.
  • Another embodiment includes misters permanently disposed within the microwave oven itself, and a water holding tray may or may not be utilized within the oven.
  • a filter element is disposed above the food and above the misters to provide a surface on which vapor may pass through and condense on a convex or concave upper surface tray and which allows the condensed vapor to drop down on the filter and from which the condensed moisture may return to the atmosphere in which the food is located for hydrating purposes.
  • the embodiments include different types of filter frames for holding the filters which allow steam or vapor to pass through and on which moisture may land after condensing.
  • filters are utilized, with some filters comprising only paper towels, and other filters utilizing some type of screen or mesh.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in partial section of a composite microwave oven including the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side view in partial section of the apparatus included in the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
  • Figure 4 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 3.
  • Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment portion of the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 7-7 of Fig. 6.
  • Figure 8 is a view in partial section of the assembled apparatus of Fig. 7.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a side view in partial section illustrating the use environment of the apparatus of Fig. 9.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 11.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of apparatus embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 13.
  • Figure 15 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Figs. 13 and 14.
  • Figure 16 is a view in partial section of another alternate embodiment of apparatus embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 17 is a view in partial section of a portion of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 16.
  • Figure 18 is a view in partial section of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 16.
  • Figure 19 is a side view in partial section of another alternate embodiment of cooker apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 20 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 20-20 of Fig. 19.
  • Figure 21 is an enlarged view in partial section taken generally from oval 21 of Fig. 19.
  • Figure 22 is a perspective view of a hydrating capsule usable in a microwave oven of contemporary design.
  • Figure 23 is a view in partial section of the hydrating capsule 700 taken generally along line 23-23 of Fig. 22.
  • Figure 24 is a perspective view of hydrating capsule 750, which comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • FIG. 1 is a side view in partial section of a composite microwave oven 10.
  • the microwave oven 10 includes structure illustrating several embodiments. Included generally is a cabinet 12 which is of a generally rectangularly configuration. For practical purposes, insofar as the present invention is concerned, the cabinet 12 is generally rectangular and it includes a bottom 14 four walls 16, and a ceiling or top 18. At the upper portion of the walls 16 are two misters 30 and 40. The two misters represent two different embodiments of mister elements.
  • the oven apparatus is illustrated with broken lines. The purpose of the broken lines is to help delineate the different elements or embodiments of structure which may be incorporated into the oven apparatus 10.
  • the mister 30 sprays hot mist or steam into the oven apparatus 10.
  • the hot mist or steam comes from a water 26 in reservoir 20 beneath the bottom 14.
  • the water 26 may be heated by microwave energy prior to starting the cooking cycle of the food to be cooked in the oven apparatus 10.
  • There may be a timed preheat cycle for the oven apparatus 10 for heating the water 26 in the reservoir 20 to provide hot water for the mister 30 prior to the cooking cycle of the food to be cooked in the oven apparatus 10.
  • a conduit 22 extends from the reservoir 20 to the mister 30. Line water pressure on a pump 24 disposed in the conduit 22 is used to force or pump the hot water 26 from the reservoir 20 to the mister 30.
  • the mister 40 is connected to a water conduit 42, which may simply be connected to a water line in a manner similar to the water connections for ice cube trays and water chillers in refrigerators.
  • the mister 40 provides a cold mist 44 in accordance with the water source to which the water input conduit 42 is connected.
  • the use of an electric heating element in the mister 30 may obviate the necessity for the reservoir 20 and the pump 24.
  • the mister 30 may simply be connected to a water line, as with the mister 40, but the mister 30 could include a heating element for the in flowing water.
  • the hydrator dish apparatus 50 includes a water tray 52 in which is disposed a cooking dish 60.
  • the water tray 52 includes corrugations or ridges 54 on its bottom 56.
  • a cooking dish 60 is disposed in the water tray 52.
  • the dish 60 includes a bottom platform 62 which is disposed on the corrugations or ridges 54.
  • Water 58 is disposed in the water tray 52.
  • the stem 64 Extending upwardly from the bottom platform 62 of the cooking dish 60 is a stem 64.
  • the stem 64 is a central stem and it supports a dish bottom portion 66 above the bottom platform 62.
  • Dish walls 68 are secured to and extend upwardly from the bottom 66.
  • Food to be cooked is disposed on the dish bottom 66 and within the walls 68.
  • the cooking dish 60 need not include a lid.
  • Three separate water sources are illustrated for providing moisture for food in the cooking dish 60.
  • the first water source is the mister 30 with its hot water spray or steam 32.
  • the hot water spray or steam 32 comprises a source of liquid help reduce the dehydration or drying out of food. That is, the moisture put out by the mister 20 in the form of spray 32 provides a moisturized or vaporized atmosphere to help reduce moisture loss in the food as the food is being cooked.
  • the second source of moisture is the direct tap water mister 40, discussed in detail above.
  • the use of the water tray 52, with water 58 therein, provides a third source of moisture for food being cooked within the microwave oven 10.
  • the corrugations or ridges 54 on the bottom 56 of the water tray 52 increase the surface area for heating for causing the water 58 to be heated and turned into steam or water vapor. The water vapor then is used to help prevent the food from drying out.
  • a filter 80 is disposed in the microwave oven apparatus 10 above the misters 30 and 40.
  • the filter 80 may be a paper towel or other appropriate element which will allow moisture to pass through, but will prevent water droplets from falling directly onto food being cooked in the oven 10.
  • the filter 80 is appropriately supported downwardly from the ceiling or top 18 and above the mister 30 and 40.
  • Above the filter 80 is a condensing element 90.
  • the condensing element 90 includes a concave surface 92 on which vapor passing through the filter 80 condenses. The condensed vapor or moisture then runs down the surface 92 and onto the filter element 80 for reuse as vapor.
  • the moisture from any of the water sources rises in the oven 10.
  • the moisture tends to condense on the walls 16 and on the surface 92.
  • the filter 80 allows moisture to pass upwardly to the concave surface 92. However, condensed water droplets will not pass through the filter downwardly, and thus the water droplets will not fall directly onto food being cooked in the oven 10.
  • FIG. 1 comprises a side view in partial section of cooker apparatus 100.
  • the cooker apparatus 100 includes a lower cooker receptacle 102 in which is disposed a dish 2.
  • the dish is shown in dash dot line.
  • the cooker apparatus 100 may be used in contemporary microwave ovens without providing the moisturizing elements, such as discussed above for the oven apparatus 10.
  • the cooker receptacle 102 includes a bottom 104, and a plurality of corrugations or ridges 106 extend upwardly from the bottom 104.
  • the purpose of the corrugations or ridges 106 is to increase the surface area of the bottom 104 to increase the heating speed of the water, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture within the cooker apparatus 100.
  • walls 108 Extending upwardly from the bottom 104 are walls 108.
  • the walls terminate in an outwardly extending flange 110.
  • a groove 112 extends downwardly in the outer flange 110.
  • a circular filter 120 is disposed on the flange 110.
  • a lid 130 is in turn disposed on filter 120 and holds the filter 120 in place.
  • the lid 130 includes a top portion 132 and walls 134 extend downwardly from the top portion 132.
  • the wall 134 terminates in an outwardly extending flange 136.
  • the flange 136 includes a downwardly extending ridge 138.
  • the ridge 138 atingly extends into the groove 112 of the flange 110 of the cooker receptacle 102.
  • the top portion 132 may also include a convex outer configuration, with a concave inner surface, if desired.
  • the filter 122 conforms to the general configuration of the cooker 102 and the lid 130.
  • the filter 120 includes a generally permeable center portion 122.
  • the center portion 122 is generally coextensive with the interior portion of the cooker receptacle 102 and the lid 130.
  • the outer portion of the filter 122 includes a pair of rim areas which are disposed on opposite sides of the permeable center 122.
  • the outer periphery of the center portion 122 is disposed between, and is appropriately secured to, the bottom rim 124 and the upper rim 126.
  • the configuration of the rims 124, 126 and the center 122 includes a groove 128.
  • the outer bottom of the groove 128 extends into the groove 112 of the flange 110 and receives the ridge 138 of the lid 130.
  • the filter 120 is permeable to allow water vapor to move through it, but it does not allow for the passage of droplets or other relatively solid or viscous liquid elements.
  • the filter 120 allows the moisture in the form of vapor to flow through it and to condense on the bottom surface of the top 132 of the lid 130. The condensing moisture then falls onto the filter 120. But it may not pass downwardly through the filter and onto the food cooking in the dish 2.
  • Figure 5 comprises a rectangular version of the round filter 122.
  • the rectangular filter 122 includes a permeable center portion 152 with a rim 164 secured to the outer periphery of the permeable center 162.
  • the rim 164 is preferably of two portions, as best illustrated in Fig.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of another type of filter apparatus usable with the cooking apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 discloses a relatively large filter holder apparatus 180 with a two part frame and replaceable filter element.
  • the filter holder apparatus 180 comprises a relatively large filter, again including three parts, but with a different general structural configuration from that illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, and 5.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outer rim portion of the filter apparatus 180 taken generally along 7-7 of Fig. 6.
  • Figure 8 is a sequential view in partial section following the illustration of Fig. 7 in which the three portions of the filter apparatus are shown disposed together or secured together.
  • the filter holder apparatus 180 includes a bottom holder element 182 which is generally of a rectangular configuration.
  • the bottom holder element 182 includes an outer rim having four sides, including a side 184, a side 186, a side 188, and a side 190.
  • the cross pieces include a cross piece 192 which extends between the sides 184 and 186, and a cross piece 194 which extends between the sides 188 and 190.
  • apertures 196 At the corners of the bottom element 182, at the mid points of the sides and at the intersection of the crosspieces, are apertures 196.
  • the apertures 196 mate with pins which extend downwardly from an upper holder element 202.
  • the upper holder element 202 is substantially identical in general configuration to the bottom holder 182.
  • the upper holder element 202 includes an outer rim side 204, a side 206, a side 208, and a side 210.
  • the cross pieces include a cross piece 212 which extends between the sides 204 and 206 and a cross piece 214 which extends between the sides 208 and 210.
  • feet 216 Extending downwardly from the juncture of the sides and from the mid points of the sides and the intersection of the cross pieces are feet 216.
  • the feet 216 are illustrated as slightly tapered to matingly extend through the also slightly tapered apertures 196 in the bottom holder element 182 for a relatively snug fit.
  • the upper holder element 202 also includes a handle 218 which extends upwardly form the juncture or intersection of the cross pieces 212 and 214.
  • the apparatus 180 may be picked up and handled by means of the handle 218.
  • the filter holder apparatus 180 is renewable in that the two holder elements 182 and 202 may be taken apart for replacement of the filter element 230.
  • the spaces between the outer sides and cross pieces are illustrated as square or rectangular areas, with the cross pieces providing additional support.
  • the specific configuration of the filter holder apparatus may vary or may be as desired for a particularly configured cooker.
  • the filter element 230 functions in substantially the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with the filter elements 120 and 160.
  • the filter element 230 is permeable to allow for the movement of vapor upwardly through it, but it restricts the movement of "solid" elements, or water droplets or other elements which may be carried upwardly from food being cooked beneath it.
  • the filter element prevents condensed water droplets from a lid above the filter holder apparatus 180 from dropping onto food being cooked.
  • the filter elements illustrated and discussed above may be paper towels, and other filters utilizing some type of screen or mesh and that could be made of many different types of materials.
  • the filter elements prevent condensation from dropping back directly onto the food, but allow for the upward passage of water vapor. If condensed water droplets were to drop directly onto some foods, those foods being cooked could become soggy.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of support apparatus 250 usable for supporting another dish or for supporting vegetables directly above the water for cooking in a microwave oven.
  • the dish or vegetables are held above water by the support apparatus 250, as will be discussed below.
  • FIG 10 is a side view in partial section of the support apparatus 250 shown in its use environment, or in a use environment, such as in conjunction with a cooker or cooking receptacle 280.
  • the support member or apparatus 250 may be considered as an "egg crate" type element designed to be disposed within a holder or receptacle, such as a receptacle 280, for cooking purposes.
  • the receptacle 280 may be a cooker or pot, or the like, which includes a bottom 282 and sides 284.
  • the receptacle 280 includes water 286.
  • the support member 250 is disposed on the bottom 282.
  • the top of the support member 250 is above the top of the water 286.
  • the support member 250 is illustrated as being of a generally rectangular or square configuration, which includes four sides.
  • the sides include a side 252, a side 254, a side 256, and a side 258.
  • the partitions 260 extend between the sides 252 and 254, and the partitions 262 extend between the sides 256 and 258.
  • the support apparatus 250 does not include a bottom, and accordingly spaces 264 extend fully through the apparatus 250. Accordingly, the water 286 will rise in the spaces 264, as shown in Fig. 10.
  • Each of the partitions 260 and 262 include apertures 266 and 268 respectively below the water line to insure that the water 286 is evenly disposed on the bottom 282.
  • the partitions may include slots extending upwardly from the bottoms of the partitions for the same purpose.
  • Fig. 9 is illustrative only.
  • Vegetables may be disposed directly on the tops of the partitions 260 and 262 for cooking purposes.
  • a potato 270 is shown disposed on the tops of the partitions 260 and 262 of the holder 250, and some string beans 272 are also shown disposed on the top of the holder apparatus 250.
  • a top filter is not utilized with the support 250 as shown in Fig. 10. Rather, it is desirable to have the condensed water droplets dropped directly onto the vegetables. A ⁇ a matter of fact, it may be advantageous to have a top lid with a flat bottom surface or with a pattern of texture or a ridged surface for the cooking receptacle 280 so that condensed droplets of moisture will drop directly down onto the vegetables 270 and 272 for hydrating purposes.
  • a lid, filter, and dish may be required for other foods disposed on the support 250.
  • the spaces between the partitions 260 and 262 may be as small as desired in order to accommodate different types of vegetables.
  • Relatively large vegetables such as a potato 270, and relatively long vegetables, such as string beans 272
  • a similar holder may have to have much finer spaces when cooking vegetables such as peas, or the like.
  • the corresponding spaces to the spaces which would correspond to the spaces 264 would have to be rather small, which means that the partitions would have to be quite close together, to accommodate small diameter elements such as peas.
  • a screen may be disposed on the support 250 for small food elements, such as peas, beets, etc.
  • small food elements such as peas, beets, etc.
  • Such a screen or mesh with it's own support could function much the same as support 250.
  • the spaces may be larger, and accordingly the partitions may be farther apart.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of spacer apparatus 300 which may be configured as desired, according to the cooking utensil being used and according to a particular filter or other element to be supported on the spacer.
  • Figure 12 is a plan view of the apparatus 300. For the following discussion, reference will be made to both Figures 11 and 12.
  • the spacer apparatus 300 comprises an upwardly extending wall element 302 with a smooth outer periphery and which is illustrated as having a plurality of alternating lands 304 and grooves 306 on an interior periphery of the apparatus.
  • the alternating lands and grooves allow the spacer apparatus 300 to be folded or bent appropriately in order to be configured as desired for a particular microwave cooking utensil being used.
  • the apparatus 300 includes a top 308 on which, for example, a filter may be disposed.
  • the height of the wall element 302 may vary.
  • the apparatus 300 comprises a spacer element which is preferably made of microwave permeable material that may be disposed in an open dish within a microwave oven. Or, in the alternative, the spacer apparatus 300 may be placed within a microwave oven which includes misters, such as misters 30 or 40 shown in Fig. 1.
  • the filter apparatus 180 of Fig. 6 may be placed on the top 308. Food being cooked will be placed within the wall element 302. The filter element 180 will help to hold moisture in so as to reduce the dehydration of the food being cooked, but will allow for the passage of water vapor upwardly. Condensed water vapor will flow down the sides of the microwave oven apparatus, or a dish, or other receptacle, such as the receptacle 280 of Fig. 10, all as discussed above, and thus may be reused to help in the vaporizing of the cooking atmosphere of the food being cooked, or to help reduce the moisture loss in the food being cooked.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of pitcher apparatus 350 which may be used to heat liquids in a microwave oven.
  • FIG 14 is a top view of the pitcher apparatus 350 of Fig. 13.
  • the pitcher 350 includes a receptacle 352 shown having a generally square configuration, but the pitcher could have any desired configuration.
  • the receptacle 352 includes a bottom and upwardly extending walls.
  • the receptacle 352 includes a spout 354 for convenience in pouring liquids out of the pitcher 350.
  • the exterior of the receptacle 352 is smooth, while the interior includes alternating ribs 356 and grooves or flutes 358.
  • the purpose of the ribs and grooves is to increase the surface area against which liquid will be disposed for purposes of heating the liquid within the pitcher as rapidly as possible.
  • a handle 360 is secured to the receptacle 352 on the side opposite the spout 354 for convenience in handling, holding, pouring, and generally using, the apparatus.
  • FIG 15 discloses a pitcher 380 which comprises a alternate embodiment of the pitcher 350.
  • the pitcher 380 includes a receptacle 382 which is also of a generally square configuration, but of course could be any configuration.
  • the receptacle 382 includes a pouring spout 384 which extends outwardly from one side and a handle 392 is disposed on the side oppositely from the spout 384.
  • the pitcher 380 has a smooth interior surface 386 for the receptacle 382.
  • the outer configuration of the receptacle 382 comprises a plurality of alternating ribs 388 and grooves or flutes 390.
  • the purpose of the alternating ribs and grooves is to maximize the surface area of the pitcher apparatus 380, but the maximizing of the area is on the outside of the pitcher rather than the inside. The effectiveness of the microwave energy is thus still enhanced, as with the pitcher apparatus 350, but the enhancement is in a different manner in the pitcher apparatus 380.
  • Both pitchers 350 and 380 are illustrated as being of a generally square configuration. It is obvious that a round or other configuration may also be used.
  • the pitchers 350 and 380 may be darkly colored to enhance heating.
  • Figure 16 comprises a view in partial section of water purifier apparatus 410 usable with a microwave oven.
  • the water apparatus 410 includes a pot or water holding receptacle 412 in which is disposed a pure water collecting pot or receptacle 450.
  • the water holding receptacle 412 is closed by a lid 430.
  • the receptacle 412 may be of any configuration, but it is illustrated as being generally round.
  • the receptacle 412 includes a bottom 414 with upwardly extending sides 416.
  • the sides 416 comprise a generally circular or cylindrical element extending upwardly from the bottom 414.
  • the sides 416 extend upwardly from the bottom 414 to a top 420.
  • Downwardly a short distance from the top 420 is a top lip or shoulder 418.
  • the lip or shoulder 418 cooperates with mating portions of the lid 430, as will be described below.
  • a locating rim or flange 422 Extending upwardly from the bottom 414 is a locating rim or flange 422.
  • the locating rim or flange 422 may be conveniently used to center the collecting receptacle 450 on the bottom 414.
  • the purpose for centering the collecting receptacle 450 is to make certain that water condensing on the bottom of the lid 430 drops into the receptacle 450. Again, this will be discussed below.
  • the lid 430 may include a generally conically configured center portion 431.
  • the center portion may include a bottom surface 432.
  • the center portion 431 tapers inwardly and downwardly.
  • the bottom surface 432 includes a center point 434.
  • the center point 434 is disposed generally coaxially with respect to the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the lid 430 may include an outer rim 436 which extends circumferentially about the center portion 431.
  • the rim includes a bottom step 438.
  • the bottom step 438 cooperates with the lip or shoulder 418 so that the outer portion of the outer rim 436 is disposed on the top 420 of the receptacle 412.
  • the lid 430 also includes a handle 440.
  • the handle extends upwardly from the lid center portion 431.
  • the handle 440 is preferably coaxially aligned with respect to the center portion 431 and the rim 436.
  • the collecting receptacle 450 is similarly a circular, cylindrical element.
  • the collecting receptacle 450 is preferably located in the middle of the outer receptacle 412.
  • the collecting receptacle 450 includes a top 452 and a bottom 454.
  • the bottom 454 is preferably disposed on the bottom 414 of the receptacle 412.
  • the receptacle 450 is disposed or located within the locating rim or flange 422 which extends upwardly from the bottom 414 of the receptacle 412.
  • water 460 is placed in the receptacle 412, and the collecting receptacle 450 is also placed in the receptacle 412.
  • the top of the water 460 is below the top 452 of the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the bottom point 434 of the bottom surface 432 is preferably located generally coaxially with respect to both the receptacle 412 and the collecting receptacle 450.
  • Microwave energy causes the water 460 to become heated and the water evaporates.
  • the evaporated water impinges on the bottom 432 of the lid 430, and the water vapor condenses and moves by gravity to the lowest point 434. From the point 434, the condensed and purified water then falls into the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the receptacle 412 may be dark colored to help in the heat transfer in order to facilitate the evaporation of the water 460.
  • the impurities remain in the receptacle 412, while the purified water vapor rises and condenses on the bottom of the lid 430, and falls by gravity downwardly to the point 434 and into the receptacle 450.
  • water droplets of the condensed moisture may also fall directly into the receptacle 450 without moving to the point 434.
  • the collecting receptacle 450 it is accordingly highly desirable to have the collecting receptacle 450 generally aligned with the point 434 of the lid 430.
  • Figure 17 is a view in partial section of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 16. Under some circumstances, perhaps most circumstances, it may be necessary to provide shielding for the collecting receptacle 450 to prevent the water therein from being heated and vaporized along with the water 460. Accordingly, the apparatus 410 is slightly altered in Fig. 17.
  • FIG. 17 there is an inner cylinder 470 disposed about the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the inner receptacle 470 extends upwardly from the locating rim or flange 422 and the collecting receptacle 450 is disposed within the inner cylinder 470.
  • the inside diameter of the cylinder 470 is slightly greater than that of the collecting receptacle 450, and accordingly there is an insulating space 480 about the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the collecting receptacle 450 also includes a lid 454.
  • the lid serves two primary purposes, one of which is to help isolate the purified water within the collecting receptacle 454 and the second is to provide additional shielding for the receptacle 450 from the microwave energy.
  • the lid 454 also includes an aperture 456 through which the water from the lid 430 (see Fig. 16) drops into the interior of the collecting receptacle 454.
  • the configuration of the aperture 456 is such as to receive a portion of the lid 430.
  • the center point 434 of the bottom surface 432 of the lid 430 extends slightly into the aperture 456. Accordingly, the water which condenses on the bottom surface 432 and moves by gravity to the point 434 drops directly into the collecting receptacle 450.
  • the shielding layer 472 is shown on the inner cylinder 470, it will be obvious that the shielding layer 472 could also be disposed on the purified water collecting receptacle 450.
  • the apparatus 410 disposed in a microwave oven, subjects the water, the unpurified water, to microwave energy and the resulting heat by which bacteria and other harmful life forms are killed.
  • the unpurified water is boiled and vaporized by the microwave energy.
  • the water is purified.
  • the vaporized water condenses on the bottom 432 of the lid 430, and then falls downwardly into the purified water receptacle 450 in its purified state, free from any impurities, bacteria, or other harmful life forms which may be present in the water 460.
  • Figure 18 is a view in partial section showing an alternate lid 500 usable with the collection receptacle 412 of Fig. 16.
  • the lid 500 may be used without the necessity of a water collection receptacle, such as the receptacle 450 of Fig. 16 or the modified apparatus illustrated in Fig. 17.
  • a water collection receptacle such as the receptacle 450 of Fig. 16 or the modified apparatus illustrated in Fig. 17.
  • the evaporated and purified water may be conducted outside of a microwave oven, such as through a microwave oven wall 530, by a conduit 520.
  • the purified water is collected in a collection receptacle 540 outside of the microwave oven.
  • the lid 500 includes a generally convex outer configuration 502 and a generally concave inner dome 504.
  • the lid 500 also includes an outer rim 506, with a step or shoulder 508 which matingly engages the top 420 and the top lip 418 of the receptacle 412 (see Fig. 16) .
  • the conduit 520 is appropriately secured to the connector element 512.
  • the conduit 520 extends through the aperture 532 in the wall 530 of a microwave oven.
  • the conduit 520 extends to the collection receptacle 540.
  • the impure water 460 boils and evaporates in the receptacle 412
  • the moisture rises in the receptacle and moves to the highest point of the dome of the lid 500.
  • the water vapor flows into the conduit 520 and moves outwardly of the microwave oven through the conduit 520.
  • the outlet of the conduit 520 will be a substantial distance below the lid 500 so that any moisture which condenses in the conduit 520 will fall by gravity through the conduit 520 and into the receptacle 540.
  • the pressure within the receptacle 412 will typically be greater than the atmospheric pressure outside of the microwave oven and the flow of the vaporized water will naturally occur through the conduit 520.
  • the purified water 550 is shown both in water droplet form and as a liquid in the bottom of the receptacle 540.
  • the receptacle 540 and the wall 530 of the microwave oven comprise merely a schematic representation of an appropriate receptacle, microwave oven wall, and the like, for which the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 18, as well as the receptacle 412 of Fig. 16 may be used.
  • the collecting receptacle 540 includes a lid 542, and the bottom end of the conduit 520 remote from the lid 500, extends to or through the lid 542.
  • the purified water 550 condensed either in the conduit 520 or in the water collecting receptacle 540, falls to the bottom of the receptacle 540 and is there collected.
  • the lid 542 is preferably not tightly fitting, and accordingly the interior of the collecting receptacle 540 is subject only to atmospheric pressure.
  • the atmospheric pressure lower than the pressure in the receptacle 412, helps the flow of the purified water or moisture flow from the receptacle or container 540 to the collecting receptacle 540. That is, the pressure differential between the two receptacles helps to move the steam or vaporized moisture or water from the receptacle 412 to the receptacle 540.
  • the pressure within the collecting receptacle may be reduced below atmospheric pressure to help insure a pressure differential between the supply receptacle 412 and the collecting receptacle 540.
  • the purified water in the conduit 520 may be in the form of steam or otherwise. Moisture that condenses in the conduit 520 flows by gravity to the collecting receptacle 540. A lower pressure in the receptacle 540 than in the receptacle 412 may aid in the flow of steam from the supply receptacle 412 to and through the conduit 520. As is understood, the extent of condensation of the steam or vaporized water in the conduit 520 will vary, depending primarily on the temperature of the conduit.
  • the collecting receptacle 540 is at room temperature and the temperature of the conduit 520 accordingly varies almost throughout its length between the two receptacles.
  • the diameter of the conduit 520 may taper from a maximum at the connector 512 and the lid 500 to a minimum at the lid 542 and the collecting receptacle. This may aid in the condensing process and may increase the efficiency of the flow of the vaporized water and/or steam from the supply receptacle 412.
  • any appropriate heat source may be used for heating and vaporizing the water for purification purposes.
  • an ordinary stove top could provide the required heat.
  • Figure 19 is a view in partial section through cooker apparatus 600, which comprises an alternate embodiment of cooker apparatus 100 of Fig. 2.
  • the cooker apparatus 600 of Fig. 19 includes an interior perimeter trough which holds water for hydrating the food which may be cooked within the cooker apparatus 600.
  • the cooker apparatus 600 may hold a dish, such as the dish 2 of Fig. 2, or it may hold vegetables such as illustrated by reference numbers 270 and 272 in Fig. 10, or a package 590 of frozen foods, or the like, shown in dash dot line in Fig. 19.
  • the cooker apparatus 600 includes a bottom portion or receptacle 602 and a lid 640 which is disposed on the receptacle 602.
  • a filter 660 is disposed between the lid 640 and the receptacle 602.
  • Figure 20 is a plan view in partial section taken generally along line 20-20 of Fig. 19.
  • Figure 20 illustrates the configuration of the bottom or receptacle 602.
  • the receptacle 602 includes a bottom 604 which includes a plurality of ribs 606 which extend upwardly from the bottom 604.
  • the ribs or corrugations provide a surface on which food or a package or a dish may be placed for cooking within the cooker apparatus 600. Extending upwardly from the outer periphery of the bottom
  • the wall 608 terminate in a top rim 610, best shown in Fig. 21, and a shoulder 612 comprises a step outwardly from the top rim 610.
  • Figure 21 is an enlarged view of the wall 608 illustrating the top rim 610 and the shoulder 612.
  • Figure 21 is taken generally from oval 21 of Fig. 19. All of the Figures 19, 20, and 21 will be referred to in the following discussion.
  • An interior perimeter trough 620 extends inwardly from the wall 608.
  • the trough 620 includes a bottom 622 and a vertical wall 624.
  • the bottom 622 extends inwardly from the wall 608, and the vertical wall 624 extends upwardly from the bottom 622 remote from the wall 608.
  • a quantity of water 626 is disposed within the trough 620.
  • the lid 640 includes a top portion 642 and wall 644 extends downwardly from the top 642 to mate with the top 610 of the receptacle 602.
  • the bottom portion of the wall 644 includes a rim 646 which is disposed on the shoulder 612.
  • the rim 646 includes a shoulder 648 which is spaced upwardly from the top 610 of the wall 608. There is a slight space between the top 610 of the wall 608 and the shoulder 648.
  • the space between the top 610 and the shoulder 648 receives an outer rim or edge 662 of a filter 660.
  • the filter 660 is disposed across the top of the receptacle 602.
  • the purpose of the filter 660 is substantially the same as the purpose of the filter 120 for the cooker apparatus 100, as discussed above, and substantially the same as that of the other filter elements discussed above in conjunction with Figs. 2-8.
  • the filter 660 allows evaporated moisture to pass upwardly within the cooker apparatus 600 and to condense on the bottom surface of the lid 642 of the top 640.
  • the filter 660 prevents the condensed water from dropping directly onto the food being cooked within the cooker apparatus 600.
  • the top 642 may include more of a concave configuration than the generally flat configuration illustrated so that condensed moisture will have a tendency to flow outwardly and then downwardly, rather than perhaps drop directly downwardly.
  • Figure 22 is a perspective view of a hydrating capsule 700 which may be placed within a microwave oven to provide moisture in the oven.
  • Figure 23 is a view in partial section of the hydrating capsule 700 taken generally along line 23-23 of Fig. 22
  • Figure 24 is a perspective view of hydrating capsule 750, which comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700.
  • the hydrating capsule 700 includes a bottom or lower receptacle or cylinder 702 and an upper cylinder or receptacle 720.
  • the upper element 720 is coaxially disposed within the lower cylinder 702 and is movable relative thereto.
  • the lower cylinder 702 includes a bottom 704 and cylindrical wall 706 extending upwardly from the bottom 704. At the top of the cylindrical wall 706 is a top rim 708.
  • the upper cylinder 720 includes a cap 722 with a cylindrical wall or skirt 726 extending downwardly from the cap 722.
  • the cylindrical skirt 726 extends downwardly a short distance in from the outer periphery of the cap 722, leaving an outer rim or flange 724 on the cap radially outwardly from the skirt 726.
  • the skirt or wall 726 terminates in a bottom rim 728. Extending through the wall 726 are slots 730.
  • the slots 730 are relatively long, extending from just below the bottom of the cap 722 to just above the bottom rim 728.
  • the upper element 720 is movable relative to the lower cylinder or element 702.
  • a quantity of water 710 may be placed in the lower cylinder or receptacle 702, and the upper element 720 may then be inserted into the cylinder 702 and moved downwardly until the rim or flange 724 is disposed on the top rim 708.
  • the hydrating capsule 700 may then be appropriately sealed, as desired.
  • the water 710 is preferably a purified water, free from minerals or other contaminants.
  • the hydrating capsule 700 is placed in a microwave oven and the cap 722 is raised a desired amount to allow for the evaporation of the water 710. As the water evaporates, it moves outwardly through the slot 730, as indicated by the curved arrows in Fig. 23. The evaporated moisture provides a hydrating effect for food being cooked within the microwave oven. By raising and lowering the upper element 720, the amount of moisture flowing through the slots 730 may be controlled, as desired.
  • the water 710 may be replenished within the hydrating capsule 700, also as desired.
  • the hydrating capsule 750 of Fig. 24 comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700 of Figs. 22 and 23.
  • the primary difference between the hydrating capsule 700 and the hydrating capsule 750 is the fluted or corrugated configuration of the upper and lower elements of the hydrating capsule 750.
  • the hydrating capsule 750 includes a lower element or receptacle 752 and a top or upper element or receptacle 770.
  • the upper element 770 extends downwardly, into the lower receptacle 752, in generally the same manner in which the upper element 720 extends into the lower element 702 for the hydrating capsule 700.
  • the lower element 752 includes walls 756 which extend upwardly from a bottom. The walls terminate in a top rim 758. A plurality of corrugations or flutes 760 extend vertically on the walls 756. The purpose of the corrugations or flutes 760 is, of course, to provide more surface area to heat the water disposed within the cylinder 752 faster. While corrugations or flutes are shown, it is obvious that other elements, such as ribs, waffles, prisms, bumps, etc., or just anything that increases surface area, may be used.
  • the upper element 770 includes a top cap 772 with a skirt 776 extending downwardly from the cap 772.
  • a plurality of slots 780 extend through the walls 776.
  • the walls 776 are similarly fluted or corrugated to match the configuration of the lower element 752.
  • the vertical or elongated slots 780 allow evaporated water or moisture to escape from the hydrating capsule 750, similarly to that described above in conjunction with the hydrating capsule 700.
  • the bottom of the cap 772 includes an outer rim or flange which is disposed on the top 758 when the insert 770 is closed, thus preventing moisture from evaporating from within the lower element 752.

Abstract

Cooking elements for cooking foods in a microwave oven (10) include provisions for a water reservoir (20) in an outer cooking element, with an inner cooking element (50) holding food to be cooked. Again, there is a provision for a filter (80) to prevent condensed water droplets from directly falling onto the food. Different embodiments are disclosed, and different types of elements for containing or holding food to be cooked are also disclosed.

Description

MICROWAVE OVENWARE APPARATUS, HYDRATING MICROWAVE OVENS &
MICROWAVE WATER PURIFIER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to microwave ovens and, more particularly, to ovenware elements for use in microwave ovens and which provide hydrating functions and which reduce dehydration for food cooked in microwave ovens and, including food cooked directly in its packaging, whether frozen packaged foods or nonfrozen packaged foods, and microwave water purifiers. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
U.S. Patent 3,777,099 (Levinson) discloses method and apparatus for heating or cooking articles in a microwave oven.
The microwave oven includes a sloping bottom and a plurality of apertures extending through the bottom at its lowest point and a pan beneath the openings for receiving liquids draining through the openings. Different types of food supporting elements are also disclosed and are supported within the microwave oven.
U.S. Patent 3, 854,023 (Levinson) discloses a container or heating member for use in a microwave oven. Included is a liquid absorptive body for absorbing liquids from the food being cooked.
U.S. Patent 3,985,990 (Levinson) discloses another type of heating utensil for use in a microwave oven. The utensil includes outer and inner elements, and the inner element, on which food is disposed, includes a plurality of apertures from which liquid drains as cooking takes place.
U.S. Patent 3,985,991 (Levinson) discloses a different type of utensil for cooking food in a microwave oven. The absorption of liquids is discussed as in the other above referenced patents. U.S. Patent 3,994,212 (Wong) discloses a drain pan for use in a microwave oven. The drain pan includes a plurality of ridges extending upwardly from the bottom surface and a groove running perpendicularly to the ridges and grooves. Food being cooked is supported on the ridges, and liquid drains to the grooves and into the central groove.
U.S. Patent 4,306,133 (Levinson) discloses another type of utensil for baking meat or fruit pies in a microwave oven.
U.S. Patent 4,317,017 (Bowen) discloses a utensil for steam cooking within a microwave oven. The apparatus includes a dish in which water is placed, a pan is placed over the water holding compartment with holes in the pan, and a tray on which food is placed above the pan. The entire cooking apparatus is enclosed so that only the water is subjected to microwave energy. The microwave energy then heats the water and steam from the heated water is in turn used to cook the food.
U.S. Patent 4, 871,892 (Samford) discloses another type of microwave cooking utensil designed for killing salmonella bacteria in liquids during the cooking of poultry. Water is placed in the bottom of a container, and a rack is placed above the surface of the water and food to be cooked is placed on the rack. Microwave energy boils the water and steam from the boiled water kills the salmonella bacteria. U.S. Patent 4,941,401 (Sarnoff) discloses a fish poaching dish for cooking fish in a microwave oven. Three separate elements are included in the apparatus. There is a base dish with ridges which extend upwardly from the bottom of the dish and which water is placed. There is a rack that is placed in the dish and is supported on the ridges in the bottom of the dish. A rack, having a plurality of elongated apertures extending to the bottom of the rack, is placed on the dish and is supported on the ridges in the bottom of the dish. Fish to be poached is placed on the rack. A cover, the third element, is domed and fits on and partially seals the base dish.
While some of the above discussed patented apparatus utilize steam for cooking food in a microwave oven, none of the apparatus is generally concerned with keeping the food being cooked in the microwave oven from becoming dehydrated, and accordingly none of the apparatus include what may be referred to as hydrator apparatus for providing the necessary moisture during cooking. The apparatus of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing hydrator apparatus for cooking food in a microwave oven to essentially moisten the food as it is being cooked, and to reduce the vapor loss from the food as the food is cooked in a microwave oven. The vapor lost from the food is returned to the cooking atmosphere. This allows the food to absorb the lost vapor or moisture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention described and claimed herein comprises hydrator apparatus for a microwave oven which includes cooking elements for receiving food to be cooked in a microwave oven and for providing elements in the cooking ware to reduce the escape of moisture or water vapor from the food as the food is being cooked, and to circulate condensed moisture back to the food and to reduce moisture evaporated from the food being cooked from being lost to the food during the cooking process.
Several different embodiments are shown, including relatively simple apparatus which include vertical ridges extending upwardly from the bottom of microwave oven cookware and in which food is placed for heating, and more complex apparatus in which water may be placed, structure above the water on which food may be disposed, a filter element above the food for allowing steam to escape from the food area, but also allowing moisture to condense on the filter and be returned to the food as vapor, on the lid which is disposed over all the elements, which these water droplets drop back down on to the filter to be returned to the food area as vapor. The moisture condenses on the lid and allows the moisture to be reused. The moisture rolls down the lid to be returned to either the filter or the reservoir to be recycled. Another embodiment includes misters permanently disposed within the microwave oven itself, and a water holding tray may or may not be utilized within the oven. Again, a filter element is disposed above the food and above the misters to provide a surface on which vapor may pass through and condense on a convex or concave upper surface tray and which allows the condensed vapor to drop down on the filter and from which the condensed moisture may return to the atmosphere in which the food is located for hydrating purposes. The embodiments include different types of filter frames for holding the filters which allow steam or vapor to pass through and on which moisture may land after condensing.
Different embodiments of filters are utilized, with some filters comprising only paper towels, and other filters utilizing some type of screen or mesh.
Among the objects of the present invention are the following:
To provide new and useful oven ware apparatus for cooking foods in microwave oven; To provide new and useful apparatus for hydrating food being cooked in a microwave oven;
To provide new and useful hydrator apparatus for a microwave oven;
To provide new and useful microwave oven apparatus for providing moisture for food cooked in a microwave oven;
To provide new and useful microwave ovenware having provisions for holding water and for providing filter elements to allow steam to escape and to allow moisture to condense and fall into a reservoir; To provide new and useful microwave ovenware in which condensation is prevented from falling onto food being cooked; To provide new and useful apparatus for heating liquids in a microwave oven; and
To provide new and useful apparatus for purifying water in a microwave oven.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figure 1 is a view in partial section of a composite microwave oven including the apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side view in partial section of the apparatus included in the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2.
Figure 4 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 3.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment portion of the apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 7-7 of Fig. 6.
Figure 8 is a view in partial section of the assembled apparatus of Fig. 7.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a side view in partial section illustrating the use environment of the apparatus of Fig. 9.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. Figure 12 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 11.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of apparatus embodying the present invention.
Figure 14 is a top view of the apparatus of Fig. 13.
Figure 15 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Figs. 13 and 14.
Figure 16 is a view in partial section of another alternate embodiment of apparatus embodying the present invention.
Figure 17 is a view in partial section of a portion of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 16.
Figure 18 is a view in partial section of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Fig. 16. Figure 19 is a side view in partial section of another alternate embodiment of cooker apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 20 is a view in partial section taken generally along line 20-20 of Fig. 19.
Figure 21 is an enlarged view in partial section taken generally from oval 21 of Fig. 19.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a hydrating capsule usable in a microwave oven of contemporary design. Figure 23 is a view in partial section of the hydrating capsule 700 taken generally along line 23-23 of Fig. 22.
Figure 24 is a perspective view of hydrating capsule 750, which comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 is a side view in partial section of a composite microwave oven 10. The microwave oven 10 includes structure illustrating several embodiments. Included generally is a cabinet 12 which is of a generally rectangularly configuration. For practical purposes, insofar as the present invention is concerned, the cabinet 12 is generally rectangular and it includes a bottom 14 four walls 16, and a ceiling or top 18. At the upper portion of the walls 16 are two misters 30 and 40. The two misters represent two different embodiments of mister elements.
It will be noted that the oven apparatus is illustrated with broken lines. The purpose of the broken lines is to help delineate the different elements or embodiments of structure which may be incorporated into the oven apparatus 10. The mister 30 sprays hot mist or steam into the oven apparatus 10. The hot mist or steam comes from a water 26 in reservoir 20 beneath the bottom 14. The water 26 may be heated by microwave energy prior to starting the cooking cycle of the food to be cooked in the oven apparatus 10. There may be a timed preheat cycle for the oven apparatus 10 for heating the water 26 in the reservoir 20 to provide hot water for the mister 30 prior to the cooking cycle of the food to be cooked in the oven apparatus 10. A conduit 22 extends from the reservoir 20 to the mister 30. Line water pressure on a pump 24 disposed in the conduit 22 is used to force or pump the hot water 26 from the reservoir 20 to the mister 30.
The mister 40 is connected to a water conduit 42, which may simply be connected to a water line in a manner similar to the water connections for ice cube trays and water chillers in refrigerators. The mister 40 provides a cold mist 44 in accordance with the water source to which the water input conduit 42 is connected. If desired, there could be an electrical heating element in the misters 30 and 40 to provide heat, or additional heat, for the water sprayed into the microwave oven 10. In the alternative, the use of an electric heating element in the mister 30 may obviate the necessity for the reservoir 20 and the pump 24. The mister 30 may simply be connected to a water line, as with the mister 40, but the mister 30 could include a heating element for the in flowing water.
Disposed on the bottom 14 of the microwave oven cabinet 12 is a hydrator dish apparatus 50. The hydrator dish apparatus 50 includes a water tray 52 in which is disposed a cooking dish 60. The water tray 52 includes corrugations or ridges 54 on its bottom 56.
A cooking dish 60 is disposed in the water tray 52. The dish 60 includes a bottom platform 62 which is disposed on the corrugations or ridges 54. Water 58 is disposed in the water tray 52.
Extending upwardly from the bottom platform 62 of the cooking dish 60 is a stem 64. The stem 64 is a central stem and it supports a dish bottom portion 66 above the bottom platform 62.
Dish walls 68 are secured to and extend upwardly from the bottom 66. The use of the stem 64, which extends upwardly above the water 58, helps to maximize the surface area of the water 58 for moisturizing purposes. Food to be cooked is disposed on the dish bottom 66 and within the walls 68.
The cooking dish 60 need not include a lid. Three separate water sources are illustrated for providing moisture for food in the cooking dish 60. The first water source is the mister 30 with its hot water spray or steam 32. For food being cooked in the microwave oven 10, the hot water spray or steam 32 comprises a source of liquid help reduce the dehydration or drying out of food. That is, the moisture put out by the mister 20 in the form of spray 32 provides a moisturized or vaporized atmosphere to help reduce moisture loss in the food as the food is being cooked. The second source of moisture is the direct tap water mister 40, discussed in detail above.
The use of the water tray 52, with water 58 therein, provides a third source of moisture for food being cooked within the microwave oven 10. The corrugations or ridges 54 on the bottom 56 of the water tray 52 increase the surface area for heating for causing the water 58 to be heated and turned into steam or water vapor. The water vapor then is used to help prevent the food from drying out.
A filter 80 is disposed in the microwave oven apparatus 10 above the misters 30 and 40. The filter 80 may be a paper towel or other appropriate element which will allow moisture to pass through, but will prevent water droplets from falling directly onto food being cooked in the oven 10. The filter 80 is appropriately supported downwardly from the ceiling or top 18 and above the mister 30 and 40. Above the filter 80 is a condensing element 90. The condensing element 90 includes a concave surface 92 on which vapor passing through the filter 80 condenses. The condensed vapor or moisture then runs down the surface 92 and onto the filter element 80 for reuse as vapor. The moisture from any of the water sources rises in the oven 10. The moisture tends to condense on the walls 16 and on the surface 92. The filter 80 allows moisture to pass upwardly to the concave surface 92. However, condensed water droplets will not pass through the filter downwardly, and thus the water droplets will not fall directly onto food being cooked in the oven 10.
Any moisture condensing on the walls 16 may drop downwardly to collect in the reservoir 20. It will be noted that the various water sources discussed above and illustrated in Fig. 1 in conjunction with the apparatus 10 may be used as desired and as appropriate for the particular circumstances. Figure 2 comprises a side view in partial section of cooker apparatus 100. The cooker apparatus 100 includes a lower cooker receptacle 102 in which is disposed a dish 2. The dish is shown in dash dot line. The cooker apparatus 100 may be used in contemporary microwave ovens without providing the moisturizing elements, such as discussed above for the oven apparatus 10.
The cooker receptacle 102 includes a bottom 104, and a plurality of corrugations or ridges 106 extend upwardly from the bottom 104. The purpose of the corrugations or ridges 106 is to increase the surface area of the bottom 104 to increase the heating speed of the water, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture within the cooker apparatus 100.
Extending upwardly from the bottom 104 are walls 108. The walls terminate in an outwardly extending flange 110. A groove 112 extends downwardly in the outer flange 110.
A circular filter 120 is disposed on the flange 110. A lid 130 is in turn disposed on filter 120 and holds the filter 120 in place.
The lid 130 includes a top portion 132 and walls 134 extend downwardly from the top portion 132. The wall 134 terminates in an outwardly extending flange 136. The flange 136 includes a downwardly extending ridge 138. The ridge 138 atingly extends into the groove 112 of the flange 110 of the cooker receptacle 102. The top portion 132 may also include a convex outer configuration, with a concave inner surface, if desired.
As best shown in Figure 3, which is a perspective view of the filter 120, and as also shown in Fig. 4, which is a view in partial section through the outer portion of the filter 122, the filter 122 conforms to the general configuration of the cooker 102 and the lid 130.
The filter 120 includes a generally permeable center portion 122. The center portion 122 is generally coextensive with the interior portion of the cooker receptacle 102 and the lid 130. The outer portion of the filter 122 includes a pair of rim areas which are disposed on opposite sides of the permeable center 122. There is a bottom rim 124 and a matingly engaging upper rim 126. The outer periphery of the center portion 122 is disposed between, and is appropriately secured to, the bottom rim 124 and the upper rim 126. The configuration of the rims 124, 126 and the center 122 includes a groove 128. The outer bottom of the groove 128 extends into the groove 112 of the flange 110 and receives the ridge 138 of the lid 130.
The filter 120 is permeable to allow water vapor to move through it, but it does not allow for the passage of droplets or other relatively solid or viscous liquid elements. The filter 120 allows the moisture in the form of vapor to flow through it and to condense on the bottom surface of the top 132 of the lid 130. The condensing moisture then falls onto the filter 120. But it may not pass downwardly through the filter and onto the food cooking in the dish 2. Figure 5 comprises a rectangular version of the round filter 122. The rectangular filter 122 includes a permeable center portion 152 with a rim 164 secured to the outer periphery of the permeable center 162. The rim 164 is preferably of two portions, as best illustrated in Fig. 4, with a top a bottom portion and the outer periphery of the center 162 between the two portions. A groove 166 extends downwardly for mating engagement with a groove and a ridge in a cooking receptacle and a lid, in the same general manner as discussed above for the filter 120. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of another type of filter apparatus usable with the cooking apparatus of the present invention. Figure 6 discloses a relatively large filter holder apparatus 180 with a two part frame and replaceable filter element. The filter holder apparatus 180 comprises a relatively large filter, again including three parts, but with a different general structural configuration from that illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an outer rim portion of the filter apparatus 180 taken generally along 7-7 of Fig. 6.
Figure 8 is a sequential view in partial section following the illustration of Fig. 7 in which the three portions of the filter apparatus are shown disposed together or secured together. For the following discussion, reference will primarily be made to Figs. 6, 7, and 8.
The filter holder apparatus 180 includes a bottom holder element 182 which is generally of a rectangular configuration. The bottom holder element 182 includes an outer rim having four sides, including a side 184, a side 186, a side 188, and a side 190. There are two cross pieces which bisect the sides. The cross pieces include a cross piece 192 which extends between the sides 184 and 186, and a cross piece 194 which extends between the sides 188 and 190.
At the corners of the bottom element 182, at the mid points of the sides and at the intersection of the crosspieces, are apertures 196. The apertures 196 mate with pins which extend downwardly from an upper holder element 202.
The upper holder element 202 is substantially identical in general configuration to the bottom holder 182. The upper holder element 202 includes an outer rim side 204, a side 206, a side 208, and a side 210. There are two cross pieces which bisect the outer sides. The cross pieces include a cross piece 212 which extends between the sides 204 and 206 and a cross piece 214 which extends between the sides 208 and 210.
Extending downwardly from the juncture of the sides and from the mid points of the sides and the intersection of the cross pieces are feet 216. The feet 216 are illustrated as slightly tapered to matingly extend through the also slightly tapered apertures 196 in the bottom holder element 182 for a relatively snug fit.
The upper holder element 202 also includes a handle 218 which extends upwardly form the juncture or intersection of the cross pieces 212 and 214. When the two holder elements
182 and 202 are secured together, with a filter element 230 disposed between them, the apparatus 180 may be picked up and handled by means of the handle 218.
The filter holder apparatus 180 is renewable in that the two holder elements 182 and 202 may be taken apart for replacement of the filter element 230.
The spaces between the outer sides and cross pieces are illustrated as square or rectangular areas, with the cross pieces providing additional support. Previously, the specific configuration of the filter holder apparatus may vary or may be as desired for a particularly configured cooker.
The filter element 230 functions in substantially the same manner as discussed above in conjunction with the filter elements 120 and 160. The filter element 230 is permeable to allow for the movement of vapor upwardly through it, but it restricts the movement of "solid" elements, or water droplets or other elements which may be carried upwardly from food being cooked beneath it. At the same time, the filter element prevents condensed water droplets from a lid above the filter holder apparatus 180 from dropping onto food being cooked. The filter elements illustrated and discussed above may be paper towels, and other filters utilizing some type of screen or mesh and that could be made of many different types of materials. The filter elements prevent condensation from dropping back directly onto the food, but allow for the upward passage of water vapor. If condensed water droplets were to drop directly onto some foods, those foods being cooked could become soggy.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of support apparatus 250 usable for supporting another dish or for supporting vegetables directly above the water for cooking in a microwave oven. The dish or vegetables are held above water by the support apparatus 250, as will be discussed below.
Figure 10 is a side view in partial section of the support apparatus 250 shown in its use environment, or in a use environment, such as in conjunction with a cooker or cooking receptacle 280. For the following discussion, reference will be made to both Figs. 9 and 10. The support member or apparatus 250 may be considered as an "egg crate" type element designed to be disposed within a holder or receptacle, such as a receptacle 280, for cooking purposes. The receptacle 280 may be a cooker or pot, or the like, which includes a bottom 282 and sides 284. The receptacle 280 includes water 286. The support member 250 is disposed on the bottom 282. The top of the support member 250 is above the top of the water 286.
The support member 250 is illustrated as being of a generally rectangular or square configuration, which includes four sides. The sides include a side 252, a side 254, a side 256, and a side 258. There are a plurality of interior partitions 260 and 262 which are disposed generally perpendicular to each other. The partitions 260 extend between the sides 252 and 254, and the partitions 262 extend between the sides 256 and 258. Between the partitions, or within the partitions, are spaces 264. The support apparatus 250 does not include a bottom, and accordingly spaces 264 extend fully through the apparatus 250. Accordingly, the water 286 will rise in the spaces 264, as shown in Fig. 10.
Each of the partitions 260 and 262 include apertures 266 and 268 respectively below the water line to insure that the water 286 is evenly disposed on the bottom 282. Instead of the apertures 266 and 268, the partitions may include slots extending upwardly from the bottoms of the partitions for the same purpose.
It will also be noted that the configuration of the support apparatus 250 may be as desired for a particular cooker. Accordingly, the configuration of Fig. 9 is illustrative only.
Vegetables may be disposed directly on the tops of the partitions 260 and 262 for cooking purposes. In Fig. 10, a potato 270 is shown disposed on the tops of the partitions 260 and 262 of the holder 250, and some string beans 272 are also shown disposed on the top of the holder apparatus 250.
It will be noted that a top filter is not utilized with the support 250 as shown in Fig. 10. Rather, it is desirable to have the condensed water droplets dropped directly onto the vegetables. Aε a matter of fact, it may be advantageous to have a top lid with a flat bottom surface or with a pattern of texture or a ridged surface for the cooking receptacle 280 so that condensed droplets of moisture will drop directly down onto the vegetables 270 and 272 for hydrating purposes. However, for other foods disposed on the support 250, such as pizza, french fries, chicken, rolls, etc., a lid, filter, and dish may be required.
It will be understood that the spaces between the partitions 260 and 262 may be as small as desired in order to accommodate different types of vegetables. Relatively large vegetables, such as a potato 270, and relatively long vegetables, such as string beans 272, may be easily accommodated on top of a support 250 with a relatively large spaces, or relatively far apart partition elements as shown. However, a similar holder may have to have much finer spaces when cooking vegetables such as peas, or the like. Obviously, the corresponding spaces to the spaces which would correspond to the spaces 264 would have to be rather small, which means that the partitions would have to be quite close together, to accommodate small diameter elements such as peas.
In the alternative, a screen may be disposed on the support 250 for small food elements, such as peas, beets, etc. Such a screen or mesh with it's own support could function much the same as support 250. For larger vegetables, or for vegetables with elongated shapes, such as string beans, the spaces may be larger, and accordingly the partitions may be farther apart.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of spacer apparatus 300 which may be configured as desired, according to the cooking utensil being used and according to a particular filter or other element to be supported on the spacer.
Figure 12 is a plan view of the apparatus 300. For the following discussion, reference will be made to both Figures 11 and 12.
The spacer apparatus 300 comprises an upwardly extending wall element 302 with a smooth outer periphery and which is illustrated as having a plurality of alternating lands 304 and grooves 306 on an interior periphery of the apparatus. The alternating lands and grooves allow the spacer apparatus 300 to be folded or bent appropriately in order to be configured as desired for a particular microwave cooking utensil being used. The apparatus 300 includes a top 308 on which, for example, a filter may be disposed. The height of the wall element 302 may vary.
The apparatus 300 comprises a spacer element which is preferably made of microwave permeable material that may be disposed in an open dish within a microwave oven. Or, in the alternative, the spacer apparatus 300 may be placed within a microwave oven which includes misters, such as misters 30 or 40 shown in Fig. 1.
The filter apparatus 180 of Fig. 6 may be placed on the top 308. Food being cooked will be placed within the wall element 302. The filter element 180 will help to hold moisture in so as to reduce the dehydration of the food being cooked, but will allow for the passage of water vapor upwardly. Condensed water vapor will flow down the sides of the microwave oven apparatus, or a dish, or other receptacle, such as the receptacle 280 of Fig. 10, all as discussed above, and thus may be reused to help in the vaporizing of the cooking atmosphere of the food being cooked, or to help reduce the moisture loss in the food being cooked. Figure 13 is a perspective view of pitcher apparatus 350 which may be used to heat liquids in a microwave oven. Figure 14 is a top view of the pitcher apparatus 350 of Fig. 13. For the following discussion, reference will made to both Figs. 13 and 14. The pitcher 350 includes a receptacle 352 shown having a generally square configuration, but the pitcher could have any desired configuration. The receptacle 352 includes a bottom and upwardly extending walls. The receptacle 352 includes a spout 354 for convenience in pouring liquids out of the pitcher 350. The exterior of the receptacle 352 is smooth, while the interior includes alternating ribs 356 and grooves or flutes 358. The purpose of the ribs and grooves is to increase the surface area against which liquid will be disposed for purposes of heating the liquid within the pitcher as rapidly as possible. A handle 360 is secured to the receptacle 352 on the side opposite the spout 354 for convenience in handling, holding, pouring, and generally using, the apparatus.
Figure 15 discloses a pitcher 380 which comprises a alternate embodiment of the pitcher 350. The pitcher 380 includes a receptacle 382 which is also of a generally square configuration, but of course could be any configuration. The receptacle 382 includes a pouring spout 384 which extends outwardly from one side and a handle 392 is disposed on the side oppositely from the spout 384.
The pitcher 380 has a smooth interior surface 386 for the receptacle 382. However, the outer configuration of the receptacle 382 comprises a plurality of alternating ribs 388 and grooves or flutes 390. Again, the purpose of the alternating ribs and grooves is to maximize the surface area of the pitcher apparatus 380, but the maximizing of the area is on the outside of the pitcher rather than the inside. The effectiveness of the microwave energy is thus still enhanced, as with the pitcher apparatus 350, but the enhancement is in a different manner in the pitcher apparatus 380.
Both pitchers 350 and 380 are illustrated as being of a generally square configuration. It is obvious that a round or other configuration may also be used.
If desired, the pitchers 350 and 380 may be darkly colored to enhance heating.
Figure 16 comprises a view in partial section of water purifier apparatus 410 usable with a microwave oven. The water apparatus 410 includes a pot or water holding receptacle 412 in which is disposed a pure water collecting pot or receptacle 450. The water holding receptacle 412 is closed by a lid 430.
The receptacle 412 may be of any configuration, but it is illustrated as being generally round. The receptacle 412 includes a bottom 414 with upwardly extending sides 416. The sides 416 comprise a generally circular or cylindrical element extending upwardly from the bottom 414. The sides 416 extend upwardly from the bottom 414 to a top 420. Downwardly a short distance from the top 420 is a top lip or shoulder 418. The lip or shoulder 418 cooperates with mating portions of the lid 430, as will be described below.
Extending upwardly from the bottom 414 is a locating rim or flange 422. The locating rim or flange 422 may be conveniently used to center the collecting receptacle 450 on the bottom 414. The purpose for centering the collecting receptacle 450 is to make certain that water condensing on the bottom of the lid 430 drops into the receptacle 450. Again, this will be discussed below.
The lid 430 may include a generally conically configured center portion 431. The center portion may include a bottom surface 432. The center portion 431 tapers inwardly and downwardly. The bottom surface 432 includes a center point 434. The center point 434 is disposed generally coaxially with respect to the collecting receptacle 450.
The lid 430 may include an outer rim 436 which extends circumferentially about the center portion 431. The rim includes a bottom step 438. The bottom step 438 cooperates with the lip or shoulder 418 so that the outer portion of the outer rim 436 is disposed on the top 420 of the receptacle 412. The lid 430 also includes a handle 440. The handle extends upwardly from the lid center portion 431. The handle 440 is preferably coaxially aligned with respect to the center portion 431 and the rim 436.
The collecting receptacle 450 is similarly a circular, cylindrical element. The collecting receptacle 450 is preferably located in the middle of the outer receptacle 412. The collecting receptacle 450 includes a top 452 and a bottom 454. The bottom 454 is preferably disposed on the bottom 414 of the receptacle 412. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the receptacle 450 is disposed or located within the locating rim or flange 422 which extends upwardly from the bottom 414 of the receptacle 412. For use, water 460 is placed in the receptacle 412, and the collecting receptacle 450 is also placed in the receptacle 412. As shown in Fig. 16, the top of the water 460 is below the top 452 of the collecting receptacle 450. When the lid 430 is placed on the receptacle 412, the bottom point 434 of the bottom surface 432 is preferably located generally coaxially with respect to both the receptacle 412 and the collecting receptacle 450.
Microwave energy causes the water 460 to become heated and the water evaporates. The evaporated water impinges on the bottom 432 of the lid 430, and the water vapor condenses and moves by gravity to the lowest point 434. From the point 434, the condensed and purified water then falls into the collecting receptacle 450. If desired, the receptacle 412 may be dark colored to help in the heat transfer in order to facilitate the evaporation of the water 460.
As the water 460 is evaporated, the impurities remain in the receptacle 412, while the purified water vapor rises and condenses on the bottom of the lid 430, and falls by gravity downwardly to the point 434 and into the receptacle 450. Obviously, water droplets of the condensed moisture may also fall directly into the receptacle 450 without moving to the point 434. However, and depending upon a number of variables, including the particular slope of the bottom surface of 432, probably most of the condensed moisture will fall from the bottom point 434 into the receptacle 450. It is accordingly highly desirable to have the collecting receptacle 450 generally aligned with the point 434 of the lid 430. Figure 17 is a view in partial section of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 16. Under some circumstances, perhaps most circumstances, it may be necessary to provide shielding for the collecting receptacle 450 to prevent the water therein from being heated and vaporized along with the water 460. Accordingly, the apparatus 410 is slightly altered in Fig. 17.
In Fig. 17, there is an inner cylinder 470 disposed about the collecting receptacle 450. The inner receptacle 470 extends upwardly from the locating rim or flange 422 and the collecting receptacle 450 is disposed within the inner cylinder 470. The inside diameter of the cylinder 470 is slightly greater than that of the collecting receptacle 450, and accordingly there is an insulating space 480 about the collecting receptacle 450.
There is a thin layer 472 of shielding on the inner cylinder 470 to help prevent the microwave energy from reaching the collecting receptacle 450.
The collecting receptacle 450 also includes a lid 454. The lid serves two primary purposes, one of which is to help isolate the purified water within the collecting receptacle 454 and the second is to provide additional shielding for the receptacle 450 from the microwave energy. For the latter purpose, there is a shielding layer 458 disposed on the outside of the lid 454.
The lid 454 also includes an aperture 456 through which the water from the lid 430 (see Fig. 16) drops into the interior of the collecting receptacle 454. The configuration of the aperture 456 is such as to receive a portion of the lid 430. The center point 434 of the bottom surface 432 of the lid 430 extends slightly into the aperture 456. Accordingly, the water which condenses on the bottom surface 432 and moves by gravity to the point 434 drops directly into the collecting receptacle 450. While the shielding layer 472 is shown on the inner cylinder 470, it will be obvious that the shielding layer 472 could also be disposed on the purified water collecting receptacle 450.
It will be noted that the apparatus 410, disposed in a microwave oven, subjects the water, the unpurified water, to microwave energy and the resulting heat by which bacteria and other harmful life forms are killed. The unpurified water is boiled and vaporized by the microwave energy. In the process, the water is purified. The vaporized water condenses on the bottom 432 of the lid 430, and then falls downwardly into the purified water receptacle 450 in its purified state, free from any impurities, bacteria, or other harmful life forms which may be present in the water 460. Figure 18 is a view in partial section showing an alternate lid 500 usable with the collection receptacle 412 of Fig. 16. The lid 500 may be used without the necessity of a water collection receptacle, such as the receptacle 450 of Fig. 16 or the modified apparatus illustrated in Fig. 17. Using the lid 500 of Fig. 18, the evaporated and purified water may be conducted outside of a microwave oven, such as through a microwave oven wall 530, by a conduit 520. The purified water is collected in a collection receptacle 540 outside of the microwave oven.
The lid 500 includes a generally convex outer configuration 502 and a generally concave inner dome 504. The lid 500 also includes an outer rim 506, with a step or shoulder 508 which matingly engages the top 420 and the top lip 418 of the receptacle 412 (see Fig. 16) .
There is a central aperture 510 which extends through the dome of the lid 500 at the highest point of the dome. A connector element 512 is disposed in the aperture 510. The conduit 520 is appropriately secured to the connector element 512. The conduit 520 extends through the aperture 532 in the wall 530 of a microwave oven. The conduit 520 extends to the collection receptacle 540. As the impure water 460 boils and evaporates in the receptacle 412, the moisture rises in the receptacle and moves to the highest point of the dome of the lid 500. The water vapor flows into the conduit 520 and moves outwardly of the microwave oven through the conduit 520. Typically, the outlet of the conduit 520 will be a substantial distance below the lid 500 so that any moisture which condenses in the conduit 520 will fall by gravity through the conduit 520 and into the receptacle 540.
With the water boiling in the receptacle 412, and with the lid 500 fitting relatively tightly to the receptacle 412, the pressure within the receptacle 412 will typically be greater than the atmospheric pressure outside of the microwave oven and the flow of the vaporized water will naturally occur through the conduit 520.
In Fig. 18, the purified water 550 is shown both in water droplet form and as a liquid in the bottom of the receptacle 540. Obviously, the receptacle 540 and the wall 530 of the microwave oven comprise merely a schematic representation of an appropriate receptacle, microwave oven wall, and the like, for which the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 18, as well as the receptacle 412 of Fig. 16 may be used. The collecting receptacle 540 includes a lid 542, and the bottom end of the conduit 520 remote from the lid 500, extends to or through the lid 542. The purified water 550, condensed either in the conduit 520 or in the water collecting receptacle 540, falls to the bottom of the receptacle 540 and is there collected.
The lid 542 is preferably not tightly fitting, and accordingly the interior of the collecting receptacle 540 is subject only to atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure, lower than the pressure in the receptacle 412, helps the flow of the purified water or moisture flow from the receptacle or container 540 to the collecting receptacle 540. That is, the pressure differential between the two receptacles helps to move the steam or vaporized moisture or water from the receptacle 412 to the receptacle 540. If desired, the pressure within the collecting receptacle may be reduced below atmospheric pressure to help insure a pressure differential between the supply receptacle 412 and the collecting receptacle 540. The purified water in the conduit 520 may be in the form of steam or otherwise. Moisture that condenses in the conduit 520 flows by gravity to the collecting receptacle 540. A lower pressure in the receptacle 540 than in the receptacle 412 may aid in the flow of steam from the supply receptacle 412 to and through the conduit 520. As is understood, the extent of condensation of the steam or vaporized water in the conduit 520 will vary, depending primarily on the temperature of the conduit. The collecting receptacle 540 is at room temperature and the temperature of the conduit 520 accordingly varies almost throughout its length between the two receptacles.
Also, as indicated in Fig. 18, the diameter of the conduit 520 may taper from a maximum at the connector 512 and the lid 500 to a minimum at the lid 542 and the collecting receptacle. this may aid in the condensing process and may increase the efficiency of the flow of the vaporized water and/or steam from the supply receptacle 412.
It will be noted that any appropriate heat source may be used for heating and vaporizing the water for purification purposes. For example, an ordinary stove top could provide the required heat.
Figure 19 is a view in partial section through cooker apparatus 600, which comprises an alternate embodiment of cooker apparatus 100 of Fig. 2. The cooker apparatus 600 of Fig. 19 includes an interior perimeter trough which holds water for hydrating the food which may be cooked within the cooker apparatus 600. The cooker apparatus 600 may hold a dish, such as the dish 2 of Fig. 2, or it may hold vegetables such as illustrated by reference numbers 270 and 272 in Fig. 10, or a package 590 of frozen foods, or the like, shown in dash dot line in Fig. 19.
The cooker apparatus 600 includes a bottom portion or receptacle 602 and a lid 640 which is disposed on the receptacle 602. A filter 660 is disposed between the lid 640 and the receptacle 602.
Figure 20 is a plan view in partial section taken generally along line 20-20 of Fig. 19. Figure 20 illustrates the configuration of the bottom or receptacle 602. The receptacle 602 includes a bottom 604 which includes a plurality of ribs 606 which extend upwardly from the bottom 604. The ribs or corrugations provide a surface on which food or a package or a dish may be placed for cooking within the cooker apparatus 600. Extending upwardly from the outer periphery of the bottom
604 are wall 608. The wall 608 terminate in a top rim 610, best shown in Fig. 21, and a shoulder 612 comprises a step outwardly from the top rim 610.
Figure 21 is an enlarged view of the wall 608 illustrating the top rim 610 and the shoulder 612. Figure 21 is taken generally from oval 21 of Fig. 19. All of the Figures 19, 20, and 21 will be referred to in the following discussion. An interior perimeter trough 620 extends inwardly from the wall 608. The trough 620 includes a bottom 622 and a vertical wall 624. The bottom 622 extends inwardly from the wall 608, and the vertical wall 624 extends upwardly from the bottom 622 remote from the wall 608. As shown in both Figs. 19 and 21, a quantity of water 626 is disposed within the trough 620.
The lid 640 includes a top portion 642 and wall 644 extends downwardly from the top 642 to mate with the top 610 of the receptacle 602. The bottom portion of the wall 644 includes a rim 646 which is disposed on the shoulder 612. The rim 646 includes a shoulder 648 which is spaced upwardly from the top 610 of the wall 608. There is a slight space between the top 610 of the wall 608 and the shoulder 648. The space between the top 610 and the shoulder 648 receives an outer rim or edge 662 of a filter 660. The filter 660 is disposed across the top of the receptacle 602.
The purpose of the filter 660 is substantially the same as the purpose of the filter 120 for the cooker apparatus 100, as discussed above, and substantially the same as that of the other filter elements discussed above in conjunction with Figs. 2-8. The filter 660 allows evaporated moisture to pass upwardly within the cooker apparatus 600 and to condense on the bottom surface of the lid 642 of the top 640. The filter 660 prevents the condensed water from dropping directly onto the food being cooked within the cooker apparatus 600.
If desired, the top 642 may include more of a concave configuration than the generally flat configuration illustrated so that condensed moisture will have a tendency to flow outwardly and then downwardly, rather than perhaps drop directly downwardly.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a hydrating capsule 700 which may be placed within a microwave oven to provide moisture in the oven. Figure 23 is a view in partial section of the hydrating capsule 700 taken generally along line 23-23 of Fig. 22 Figure 24 is a perspective view of hydrating capsule 750, which comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700.
For the following discussion of the hydrating capsule 700, reference will be made to both Figs. 22 and 23. The hydrating capsule 700 includes a bottom or lower receptacle or cylinder 702 and an upper cylinder or receptacle 720. The upper element 720 is coaxially disposed within the lower cylinder 702 and is movable relative thereto.
The lower cylinder 702 includes a bottom 704 and cylindrical wall 706 extending upwardly from the bottom 704. At the top of the cylindrical wall 706 is a top rim 708.
The upper cylinder 720 includes a cap 722 with a cylindrical wall or skirt 726 extending downwardly from the cap 722. The cylindrical skirt 726 extends downwardly a short distance in from the outer periphery of the cap 722, leaving an outer rim or flange 724 on the cap radially outwardly from the skirt 726.
The skirt or wall 726 terminates in a bottom rim 728. Extending through the wall 726 are slots 730. The slots 730 are relatively long, extending from just below the bottom of the cap 722 to just above the bottom rim 728.
As indicated by the large double headed arrow in both Figs. 22 and 23, the upper element 720 is movable relative to the lower cylinder or element 702. A quantity of water 710 may be placed in the lower cylinder or receptacle 702, and the upper element 720 may then be inserted into the cylinder 702 and moved downwardly until the rim or flange 724 is disposed on the top rim 708. The hydrating capsule 700 may then be appropriately sealed, as desired. The water 710, of course, is preferably a purified water, free from minerals or other contaminants.
In use, the hydrating capsule 700 is placed in a microwave oven and the cap 722 is raised a desired amount to allow for the evaporation of the water 710. As the water evaporates, it moves outwardly through the slot 730, as indicated by the curved arrows in Fig. 23. The evaporated moisture provides a hydrating effect for food being cooked within the microwave oven. By raising and lowering the upper element 720, the amount of moisture flowing through the slots 730 may be controlled, as desired.
The water 710 may be replenished within the hydrating capsule 700, also as desired.
The hydrating capsule 750 of Fig. 24 comprises an alternate embodiment of the hydrating capsule 700 of Figs. 22 and 23. The primary difference between the hydrating capsule 700 and the hydrating capsule 750 is the fluted or corrugated configuration of the upper and lower elements of the hydrating capsule 750.
The hydrating capsule 750 includes a lower element or receptacle 752 and a top or upper element or receptacle 770. The upper element 770 extends downwardly, into the lower receptacle 752, in generally the same manner in which the upper element 720 extends into the lower element 702 for the hydrating capsule 700.
The lower element 752 includes walls 756 which extend upwardly from a bottom. The walls terminate in a top rim 758. A plurality of corrugations or flutes 760 extend vertically on the walls 756. The purpose of the corrugations or flutes 760 is, of course, to provide more surface area to heat the water disposed within the cylinder 752 faster. While corrugations or flutes are shown, it is obvious that other elements, such as ribs, waffles, prisms, bumps, etc., or just anything that increases surface area, may be used.
The upper element 770 includes a top cap 772 with a skirt 776 extending downwardly from the cap 772. A plurality of slots 780 extend through the walls 776. The walls 776 are similarly fluted or corrugated to match the configuration of the lower element 752. The vertical or elongated slots 780 allow evaporated water or moisture to escape from the hydrating capsule 750, similarly to that described above in conjunction with the hydrating capsule 700. The bottom of the cap 772 includes an outer rim or flange which is disposed on the top 758 when the insert 770 is closed, thus preventing moisture from evaporating from within the lower element 752. While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art, many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, within the limits only of the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS :
1. Dish apparatus for providing moisture for food being cooked in a microwave oven, comprising, in combination: cooker receptacle means for receiving water and a dish holding food to be cooked, including a bottom for receiving the dish, walls extending upwardly from the bottom for holding the water, and flange means extending outwardly from the walls remote from the bottom; lid means for cooker receptacle, including a flange for matingly engaging the flange means for the cooker receptacle; and filter means disposed between the flange means of the cooker receptacle and the flange of the lid means and permeable to allow moisture to pass through but preventing moisture condensing on the lid means from dropping onto food in the dish.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 in which the flange means of the cooker receptacle includes a generally outwardly extending flange and a groove extending generally downwardly into the flange.
3. The apparatus of Claim 2 in which the lid means includes a top walls extending generally downwardly from the top, and a flange extending outwardly from the walls.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 in which the lid means further includes a ridge extending generally downwardly from the flange for extending into the groove of the flange means of the cooker receptacle.
5. The apparatus of Claim 4 in which the filter means includes a rim having a groove which extends into the groove of the flange means of the cooker receptacle and receives the ridge of the lid means.
6. The apparatus of Claim 5 in which the filter means further includes a permeable center, and the rim is disposed about the permeable center.
7. Dish apparatus for cooking food in a microwave oven comprising in combination: receptacle means for receiving food to be cooked and water for hydrating the food as the food is being cooked, including a bottom, walls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a top on the walls; a lid disposed on the top of the walls for closing the receptacle; and a filter disposed between the receptacle means and the lid and permeable to allow moisture to pass through but preventing moisture condensing on the lid from dropping onto food in the receptacle means.
8. The dish apparatus of claim 7 in which the receptacle means further includes a trough secured to the walls for receiving water for hydrating the food.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the walls have an interior perimeter and the trough extends inwardly from the walls and on the interior perimeter of the walls.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the receptacle means further includes ribs for receiving food to be cooked.
11. Apparatus for purifying water in a microwave oven, comprising, in combination: receptacle means for holding a quantity of water to be purified by vaporization; means for providing heat for vaporizing the water; lid means covering the receptacle means; and means for collecting the purified water.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the lid means includes a bottom surface on which the vaporized and purified water condenses.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the means for collecting the purified water includes water collecting means disposed in the receptacle means and beneath the bottom surface of the lid means for receiving and collecting the condensed and purified water from the bottom surface of the lid means.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the lid means includes a center portion having a generally conical configuration and a bottom point disposed generally over the means for collecting purified water.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the receptacle means includes a bottom and the means for collecting the purified water is disposed on the bottom.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which the bottom of the receptacle means includes a locating flange for locating the means for collecting the purified water beneath the bottom point of the lid means.
17. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the means for collecting the purified water includes a collecting receptacle and a lid for the collecting receptacle.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 in which the lid of the collecting receptacle includes an aperture through which purified water falls from the lid means covering the receptacle means.
19. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the receptacle means includes means for shielding the means for collecting the purified water from microwave energy.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 in which the means for shielding the means for collecting the purified water from microwave energy includes an inner cylinder disposed about the means for collecting the purified water and a shield layer on the inner cylinder.
21. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the lid means includes an aperture and conduit means secured to the aperture through which the vaporized purified water flows.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 in which the conduit means extends to the outside of the microwave oven to allow the vaporized and purified water to be collected outside of the microwave oven.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 in which the means for collecting the purified water includes a receptacle disposed outside of the microwave oven for receiving the purified and condensed water.
24. The apparatus of claim 21 in which the lid means further includes a generally concave bottom surface and the aperture and conduit means extend through the lid means and communicate with the concave bottom surface.
25. Pitcher apparatus for heating liquids by microwave energy in a microwave oven comprising, in combination: pitcher means for holding a quantity of liquid; groove means on the pitcher means for increasing the surface area of the pitcher means for receiving microwave energy for heating the liquid; and handle means secured to the pitcher means.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 in which the pitcher means includes an inside portion, and the groove means is on the inside portion.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 in which the pitcher means includes an outside portion, and the groove means is on the outside portion.
28. The apparatus of claim 25 in which the pitcher means includes a spout for pouring the liquid.
29. Support apparatus for supporting food to be cooked in microwave oven, comprising, in combination: a receptacle for holding a quantity of water; and support means disposed in the receptacle, including a plurality of partition elements defining a surface on which food may be disposed above the water for hydrating purposes while being cooked.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 in which the plurality of partition elements include apertures for allowing the water to be evenly disposed in the receptacle and beneath the food being cooked.
31. Spacer apparatus for supporting elements in a microwave oven, comprising, in combination: wall means extending generally upwardly and having an outer periphery, an interior periphery, and a top for receiving and holding a desired element; and a plurality of alternating lands and grooves on the wall means to allow the wall means to be appropriately configured to hold the desired elements.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 in which the plurality of alternating lands and grooves is on the interior periphery.
33. Hydrating capsule apparatus for a microwave oven comprising in combination: a lower receptacle for holding a quantity of water; upper receptacle means matingly engaging the lower receptacle and comprising a closure element for closing the lower receptacle, including a cap comprising a top for the upper receptacle means, a skirt extending downwardly from the cap; and means for providing moisture from the water in the lower receptacle for hydrating food in the microwave oven.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 in which the means for providing moisture from the water in the lower receptacle comprises slots extending through the skirt of the upper receptacle.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 in which the upper receptacle is movable relative to the lower receptacle between a closed position and a full open position for controlling the moisture flowing through the slots.
36. The apparatus of claim 33 in which the lower receptacle and the upper receptacle include corrugations for receiving microwave energy in the microwave oven to vaporize the water in the lower receptacle.
PCT/US1995/006495 1994-05-23 1995-05-23 Microwave ovenware apparatus, hydrating microwave ovens and microwave water purifier WO1995032603A1 (en)

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