Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a food packaging assembly, a packaged food product including the food packaging assembly, and a method of using the packaged food product.

Background

Certain foods are prepared by steaming before consumption. Devices in which food can be steamed are often bulky, relatively expensive and difficult to use, and are constructed for repeated use. For example, bamboo steamers used in yum cha restaurants are kept for repeated use. Moreover, it is known that dumpling dough can stick together, which can make them difficult to serve and consume. Consequently, great skill and care are required to keep individual servings of food physically separate from one another. These shortcomings may deter some people from steaming, serving, presenting, and/or consuming servings of this type of food.

There is a need to address one or more of the above problems, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the invention

A first aspect of the present invention provides a food packaging assembly comprising :

a bowl portion having a base and a sidewall extending therefrom;

an insert having a platform on which servings of food are to be arranged, the insert being disposed or capable of being disposed within the bowl portion with the platform elevated above the base, the platform including apertures to allow steam to pass through the platform to steam the servings of food; and

a lid that is closable onto one of the bowl portion or the insert to define an enclosed space within the assembly,

the assembly being configured to inhibit physical contact between individual servings of food that are arranged on the platform.

Preferably, the assembly includes one or more formations for dividing the platform into segments that are each for receiving an individual serving of food . The formations may be integrally formed with the insert and inhibit physical contact between individual servings of food arranged on the platform. In certain embodiments, the or each formation includes one or more partitions. Preferably, the or each partition extends upwardly from the platform, and may extend inwardly from a perimeter of the platform.

In at least one embodiment, a barrier extends upwardly from a perimeter of the platform to inhibit servings of food arranged on the platform from being displaced therefrom.

In preferred embodiments, the individual serving of food is a dim sum food item, such as a dumpling, and the assembly is configured to preferentially receive the dumplings in an orientation in which a seam of each dumpling is facing towards the base of the bowl portion. In certain embodiments, the platform is configured to receive each dumpling in said orientation. It is envisaged that the platform and/or insert includes well portions for preferentially receiving the dumplings in said orientation.

In some embodiments, the assembly also includes a well containable within the enclosed space and for receiving a condiment. The well may be integrally formed with the insert; for example, it could be integrally formed with the platform.

In certain embodiments, the well forms a central portion of the platform, and the or each partition extends inwardly towards the well.

In preferred embodiments, each segment of the platform is delimited by an outer wall of the well, the barrier and one or more partitions.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a food packaging assembly comprising :

a bowl portion having a base and a sidewall extending therefrom;

an insert having a platform on which servings of food are to be arranged, the insert being disposed or capable of being disposed within the bowl portion with the platform elevated above the base, the platform including apertures to allow steam to pass through the platform to steam the servings of food; and a lid that is closable onto one of the bowl portion or the insert to define an enclosed space within the assembly,

the assembly further including a well containable in the enclosed space and for receiving a condiment.

In certain embodiments, the well is integrally formed with the insert; for example, the well may be integrally formed with the platform.

It is envisaged that a predetermined amount of liquid, such as water, can be held in the bowl portion beneath the elevated platform.

In certain embodiments, the assembly includes an elevating structure configured to elevate the platform above the base. The elevator structure may be integrally formed with the insert; for example, the elevating structure could be integrally formed with the platform.

In preferred embodiments, the elevating structure comprises one or more legs configured such that, when the insert is disposed within the bowl portion, a lower end of the or each leg rests on the base of the bowl portion and an opposite end of the or each leg supports the platform above the base of the bowl portion.

In at least one embodiment, the elevating structure is configured to not substantially impede upon the passage of steam through the apertures of the platform.

It is envisaged that the insert is removable from the bowl portion. The insert may include one or more handle members which can be pulled so as to effect removal of the insert from the bowl portion. In certain embodiments, the or each handle member is integrally formed with a respective one of the partitions. In embodiments that are not depicted in the Figures, the handle members may include holes formed in one or more partitions 30, wherein a finger can be inserted into each hole to lift the insert out of the bowl portion. In another embodiment, one or more partitions 30 may include a snap-lock handle portion which can be snapped upwardly from the partition(s) 30 to form a handle for grasping. In preferred embodiments, the lid includes one or more apertures through which steam can escape the enclosed space within the assembly.

Preferably, the bowl portion is demarcated to indicate a suggested amount of liquid to add to the bowl portion.

In preferred embodiments, the assembly is disposable.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a packaged food product comprising :

a food packaging assembly according to the first or second aspects of the invention; and

servings of food contained in the enclosed space within the assembly. In preferred embodiments, each serving of food is a dim sum food item, such as a dumpling. Preferably, each dumpling is oriented within the assembly such that a seam thereof faces substantially towards the base of the bowl portion. Even more preferably, the arrangement of dumplings within the assembly is such that each dumpling is inhibited from physically contacting another dumpling.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of preparing the servings of food of the packaged food product according to the third aspect of the present invention for consumption, comprising :

removing the lid from the bowl portion or the insert;

removing the insert from within the bowl portion;

adding a predetermined amount of water to the bowl portion;

returning the insert to within the bowl portion

closing the bowl portion or the insert with the lid to define the inner space; heating the packaged food product for a first predetermined period such that at least a portion of the water is converted into steam for steaming the servings of food arranged on the platform of the insert; and

allowing the packaged food product to stand for a second predetermined period. Preferably, heating the food product involves microwaving the food product at a predetermined power.

The method preferably includes removing the lid from the bowl portion or the insert once the packaged food product has been allowed to stand for the second predetermined period; the insert may then be removed from the bowl portion with the steamed food arranged thereon.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Figure 1 : is a front perspective view of an assembled food packaging assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 : is an exploded view of the food packaging assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 : is a top perspective view of an insert of the food packaging assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4: is a bottom perspective view of the insert of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 : is a plan view of the insert of Figure 4.

Detailed description

Figures 1 and 2 show a food packaging assembly 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Servings of food can be packaged in the assembly 5, and then later steamed within the assembly 5 for consumption.

The assembly 5 includes a bowl portion 10, a lid 15, and an insert 20. While the bowl portion 10 is depicted as being rounded in form, it is envisaged that the bowl portion 10 can assume any number of other forms, including polygonal forms (e.g. rectangular) and pyramidal forms (e.g. conical). The bowl portion 10 has a base 90, and a sidewall 95 that extends upwardly from a perimeter of the base 90. The insert 20 has a platform 25 on which servings of food can be arranged. As indicated in Figure 2, in this embodiment the insert 20 can be disposed within the bowl portion 10 such that the platform 25 is elevated above the base 90 of the bowl portion 10. The lid 15 is closable onto the bowl portion 10 to define an enclosed space within the assembly 5. When the insert 20 is positioned in the bowl portion 10 with servings of food arranged on the platform 25, the lid 15 closes onto the bowl portion 10 to contain the insert 20 and the food within the enclosed space. Figures 2 to 4 show that the platform 25 includes apertures 35; when the assembly 5 is being used to steam food, the apertures 35 enable steam to pass through the platform 25 to steam the servings of food. The insert 20 is configured to inhibit physical contact between individual servings of food that are arranged on the platform 25. To this end, in this particular embodiment, the insert 20 includes one or more formations for dividing the platform 25 into segments 100 that are each for receiving an individual serving of food. In the illustrated embodiment, the formations are in the form of partitions 30. While the partitions 30 may be integrally formed with the insert 20, it is envisaged that they could also be independent components, or integrally formed with the bowl portion 10 and/or the lid 15. For example, the partitions 30 may include dividing walls that extend inwardly from an inner surface of the sidewall 95 of the bowl portion 10.

The partitions 30 also act to inhibit physical contact between individual servings of food arranged on the platform 25. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the partitions 30 extend generally radially on the platform 25, such that the partitions 30 extend upwardly from the platform 25, and are oriented to extend inwardly from a perimeter of the platform 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 25 is generally circular and there are six partitions 30 oriented to extend radially with respect to the perimeter of the platform 25 so as to divide the platform 25 into 6 generally equal-sized segments. Of course, the partitions 30 need not be so formed, nor do they need to be continuously formed. Furthermore, the or each formation need not be a partition 30 as depicted. For example, a formation could include one or more spaced apart raised portions extending upwardly from the platform 25. A formation could also include a well portion defining a groove in the platform 25 which is shaped to receive at least part of an individual serving of food.

In the depicted insert 20, a barrier 40 extends upwardly from the perimeter of the platform 25 to inhibit servings of food which are arranged on the platform 25 from being displaced from the platform 25. Of course, the barrier 40 need not be continuously formed; for example, the barrier 40 could be in the form of one or more lip formations disposed around the peripheral edge of the platform 25. In an alternative embodiment, the platform 25 is shaped to be bowl-like such that servings of food arranged thereon are biased toward a central location on the platform 25. It is envisaged that embodiments of the present invention will be suitable for holding servings of food such as dim sum food items such as dumplings, each dumpling being arrangeable on a respective segment 100 of the platform 25.

It is also envisaged that the assembly 5 is formed so as to receive the dumplings in a specific orientation. The seam of a dumpling is generally a doughier part of the dumpling and may take longer to steam to a satisfactory level than other parts of the dumpling. In view of this, it is envisaged that the platform 25 may be configured to receive and maintain each dumpling in an upside-down orientation in which the seam of each dumpling faces towards the base 90 of the bowl portion 10. Therefore, steam rising from the bowl portion 10 is likely to encounter the seam of each dumpling first, as opposed to if the seam of each dumpling was facing away from the base 90 of the bowl portion 10. While not specifically shown in the Figures, it is envisaged that the platform 25 and/or the insert 20 may include well portions shaped to receive the dumplings in their upside-down orientation. For example, the well portions may be shaped to have a groove or recess in which the seam of a dumpling may be received.

Figures 2 to 4 show that the assembly 5 also includes a well 65 which is configured for receiving a condiment, such as soy sauce. The well 65 is able to be contained within the space enclosed by the lid 15 and the bowl portion 10 and may be integrally formed with the insert 20. In the depicted embodiment, the well 65 is integrally formed with the platform 25 at a central portion thereof, and each partition 30 extends inwardly towards the well 65. As is evident from Figures 2 to 5, in this embodiment the parts of the insert 20 that form the well 65 are not perforated, such that liquids can be retained within the well 65.

Each segment 100 of the platform 25 is delimited by an outer wall of the well 75, the barrier 40 and one or more partitions 30. As will be appreciated from Figures 2, 3 and 5, in this embodiment, each segment 100 has a footprint in the shape of an annular segment. Of course, the well 65 is not necessarily integrally formed with the insert 20 and may instead be an independent component. It is also envisaged that a well 65 for containing a condiment could be provided with and/or integrally formed with the base 90 of the bowl portion 10. In some further alternative embodiments, the well can be a cup that can be removably supported on the platform 25.

In some alternative embodiments, the assembly can include a well for holding a condiment and an insert that are not necessarily configured to inhibit physical contact between individual servings of food that are arranged on the platform.

It is envisaged that a predetermined volume of liquid, such as water, can be held in the bowl portion 10 beneath the elevated platform 25. In this particular embodiment, the bowl portion 10 includes a visual indicator, such as a line 85 displayed on the bowl portion 10 (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) indicating the optimal volume of water to be added to the bowl portion 10 in preparation for steaming food within the assembly 5. A visual indicator may take other suitable forms (for example, or other such indicators such as a groove formed in the bowl portion 10), and/or may be provided internally or externally of the bowl portion 10.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the assembly 5 includes an elevating structure that is configured to elevate the platform 25 at a desired height above the base 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevating structure comprises legs 50. While the legs 50 may be formed as separate components of the assembly 5, they may also be integrally formed with the insert 20 or the bowl portion. For example, legs in the form of walls or raised protrusions could extend from the base and/or an inner surface of the bowl portion to support and thus elevate the insert above the base. In the depicted embodiment, the legs 50 are integrally formed with the platform 25. Referring specifically to Figure 4, the elevating structure comprises three legs

50 integrally formed with the platform 25, which are configured such that, when the insert 20 is disposed within the bowl portion 10, a lower end of each leg 50 rests on the internal surface of the base 90 of the bowl portion 10, and an opposite end of the or each leg 50 supports the platform 25 above the base 90 of the bowl portion 10. In use, once water has been added to the bowl portion 10, at least a portion of each leg 50 will be immersed in the added water. The legs 50 are formed such that, as the water is heated into steam, the legs 50 generally will not physically impede upon the passage of steam through the apertures 35 of the platform 25. While the depicted embodiment includes legs 50 for elevating the platform 25 above the base 90 of the bowl portion 10, it is envisaged that elevation of the platform 25 above the base 90 of the bowl portion 10 may be accomplished via other means in some alternative embodiments. For example, the inner wall(s) of the bowl portion 10 may taper outwardly from the base 90, and the insert 20 and/or platform 25 perimeter(s) may be configured such that a snug fit forms between the perimeter and the inner wall(s) of the bowl portion 10 at a certain height above the base 90.

While it is envisaged that the insert 20 is removable from the bowl portion 10, the insert 20 may also be fixed thereto; for example the insert 20 may be integrally formed with the bowl portion 10.

Referring to Figure 3, the insert 20 includes handle members 70, which are integrally formed with two of the partitions 30. The handle members 70 facilitate a user grasping the insert 20 to remove the insert 20 from the bowl portion 10. Of course, it is envisaged that in embodiments in which the insert 20 is fixed to the bowl portion 10, provisions can be incorporated into the assembly 5 such that water can be added to the bowl portion 10 without removal of the insert 20. For example, an opening in the platform 25 could allow for water to be added to the bowl portion 10 without removing the insert 20. Food items could thus be steamed and eaten directly from the insert 20 without removing the insert 20 from the bowl portion 10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lid 15 includes one or more apertures 80 through which steam can escape the enclosed space within the assembly 5. In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least some of the material(s) from which the assembly 5 is made is disposable and/or microwavable, and may include materials made from plastic. It is envisaged that the bowl portion 10 will be formed from material(s) such that a user will be able to hold the bowl portion 10 while it contains water at a temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius without user discomfort. It is also envisaged that the insert 20 will be formed from material(s) such that soon after the servings of food have been steamed and the lid 15 has been removed, the insert 20 (including any handle members 70 thereof) may be grasped by hand to effect removal of the insert 20 from the bowl portion 10 without user discomfort.

The material providing the upper surface of the platform 25 is preferably selected to have minimal adhesion to the heated food. For an assembly 5 that is constructed to package dumplings for steaming therein, the heated dumplings are unlikely to stick to the upper surface of the platform 25.

It is envisaged that a packaged food product will utilise the food packaging assembly 5 embodying the present invention, the packaged food product including servings of food such as dumplings in the enclosed space within the assembly 5. In order to prepare the servings of food of the packaged food product for consumption, a user can follow the following steps:

remove the lid 15 from the bowl portion 10;

remove the insert 20 from within the bowl portion 10;

add an amount of water to the bowl portion 10 - the water may be a predetermined amount such as an amount indicated by a line displayed on the bowl portion 10;

return the insert 20 to within the bowl portion 10;

close the bowl portion 10 with the lid 15;

heat the packaged food product for a first predetermined amount of time such that at least a portion of the added water is converted into steam for steaming the servings of food which are arranged on the platform 25 of the insert 20; and

allow the packaged food product to stand (i.e. cool) for a second predetermined amount of time. Of course, the predetermined amounts of water, and the first and second predetermined amounts of time indicated above will vary depending on factors such as user preference, the shape and size of the assembly 5, and the shape, size, type and number of servings of food arranged on the insert 20. The packaged food product is particularly suitable for being heated in a microwave, and thus steaming the food may involve microwaving the packaged food product at a predetermined power for a predetermined period of time. Once the packaged food product has been allowed to stand for a period (such as the second predetermined amount of time), the lid 15 may be removed from the bowl portion 10 and the servings of food may be consumed directly from the insert 20 while it is within the bowl portion 10. Alternatively, the insert 20 may be removed from the bowl portion 10 before the steamed food thereon is consumed .

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.