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Title:
TOP DRAINING MICROWAVE COOKER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/209723
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A microwave cooker comprising a bowl and a cover. The bowl has an interior enclosing a volume of for example, 1 quart, 2 quarts or three quarts. The cover is configured to removably cover the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner. The cover is perforated with a plurality of holes such that the interior of the bowl is in open communication with the plurality of holes. The cover is rotatably attached to the top of the bowl by a hinge, such that the cover can be rotated to a first position wherein the cover is covering the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner, and the cover can be rotated to at least a second position wherein the interior of the bowl is accessible to a user of the apparatus.

Inventors:
SEAY JEFFREY EARL (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2016/034949
Publication Date:
December 07, 2017
Filing Date:
May 31, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SEAY JEFFREY EARL (US)
International Classes:
B65D25/52; A47G19/02; A47J36/04; A47J36/06; A47J36/08; H05B6/80
Domestic Patent References:
WO1995021562A11995-08-17
Foreign References:
US20100108668A12010-05-06
US4663506A1987-05-05
US20060237452A12006-10-26
US6581795B12003-06-24
US20070227965A12007-10-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
HARPER, Wayne V. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus comprising:

a bowl, the bowl

having an interior enclosing a volume, and

having a top, wherein volume is in open communication the top of the bowl; and

a cover, wherein the cover

is configured to removably cover the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner, and

the cover has a plurality of holes that pass through the cover such that the interior of the bowl is in open communication with the plurality of holes.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the cover is rotatably attached to the top of the bowl by a hinge, such that: the cover can be rotated to a first position wherein the cover is covering the top of the bowl in the substantially water-tight manner, and

the cover can be rotated to at least a second position wherein the interior of the bowl is accessible to a user of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

the bowl additionally comprises at least one handle projecting outward from the top of the bowl, wherein the hinge is rotatably mounted in an indentation in the at least one handle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the bowl is manufactured from a first microwave-safe material and the cover is manufactured from a second microwave-safe material.

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the volume of the bowl of one of: one quart, two quarts, three quarts and 4 quarts.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the bowl and the cover are substantially circular in shape and

the plurality of holes in the cover perforate the cover in a hub and spoke pattern.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein:

the bowl and the cover are substantially square in shape and

the plurality of holes in the cover perforate the cover in a grid pattern.

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cover is detachable from the bowl at the hinge.

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the bowl and the cover are one of: oval, hexagonal and rectangular in shape.

The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the cover additional comprises a tab that partially overlays a second one of the at least one handles when the cover is in the first position.

11. A method for using an apparatus,

the apparatus comprising a bowl, the bowl having an interior enclosing a volume, and having a top, wherein volume is in open communication the top of the bowl; and a cover, wherein the cover is configured to removably cover the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner, and the cover a plurality of holes that pass through the cover such that the interior of the bowl is in open communication with the plurality of holes, the method comprising:

removing the cover from the top of the bowl;

placing a food item in the interior of the bowl;

filling at least a portion of the volume with a liquid;

placing the cover on the top of the bowl;

placing the apparatus in a microwave oven;

heating the apparatus such that the food item and the liquid reach a temperature;

removing the apparatus from the microwave oven;

draining the liquid from the volume of the bowl through the plurality of holes; and

removing the cover from the top of the bowl such that the food item is accessible to a user of the bowl.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the temperature is a boiling temperature of the liquid.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the cover is rotatably attached to the top of the bowl by a hinge, such that: the cover can be rotated to a first position wherein the cover is covering the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner, and the cover can be rotated to at least a second position wherein the interior of the bowl is accessible to a user of the apparatus, wherein:

removing the cover from the top of the bowl comprises rotating the cover to the second position; and

placing the cover on the top of the bowl comprises rotating the cover to the first position.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein draining the liquid from the volume of the bowl additionally comprises holding the cover in place using a tab partially overlaying a second one of the least one handles.

Description:
PCT PATENT APPLICATION FOR

TOP DRAINING MICROWAV E COOKER

FIELD

[0001] At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate, in general, to microwave cooking vessels and more specifically to top draining microwave cooking vessels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] People often cook noodles in their microwave oven, such as, for example, ramen noodles. The process typically involves placing the noodles in a bowl with enough liquid to cover the noodles. The bowl is then placed in the microwave oven and cooked until the water is hot enough to thoroughly cook the noodles. The person cooking the noodles then drains the noodles. Such an operation can be awkward, and the person draining the noodles can easily burn themselves with hot liquid.

SUMMARY

[0003] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a microwave cooker comprising a bowl and a cover. The bowl has an interior enclosing a volume of, for example, 1, 2, 3, or 4 quarts. The cover is configured to removably cover the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner. The cover is perforated with a plurality of holes such that the interior of the bowl is in open communication with the plurality of holes.

[0004] In an embodiment, the cover is rotatably attached to the top of the bowl by a hinge, such that the cover can be rotated to a first position wherein the cover is covering the top of the bowl in a substantially water-tight manner, and the cover can be rotated to at least a second position wherein the interior of the bowl is accessible to a user of the apparatus.

[0005] In an embodiment, a user of the microwave cooker uses the cooker as follows. The user rotates the cover of the cooker to a position where the interior of the bowl is ac- cessible to the user. The user then places food, for example, ramen noodles, and liquid, for example water or broth, into the bowl. The user then places the cooker in a microwave and heats it until the food and liquid reach a desired temperature. The user then removes the cooker from the microwave oven and drains the liquid through the plurality of holes in the cover of the cooker. The user then rotates the cover of the cooker to a position where the food is accessible to the user. The user can consume the food directly from the bowl, or use the bowl as a serving vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative round microwave cooker in accordance with the present disclosure in a closed position.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the illustrative round microwave cooker of FIG. 1 in an open position.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view and side view of the illustrative round microwave cooker of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative square microwave cooker in accordance with the present disclosure in a closed position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the illustrative square microwave cooker of FIG. 4 in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view and side view of the illustrative square microwave cooker of FIG. 4 in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding. However, in certain instances, well known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure are not necessarily references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one.

[0014] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to microwave cookers that enable users to cook food items and liquid in a microwave oven, drain the liquid through the top of the cooker and, if desired, eat the food directly from the cooker.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative round microwave cooker 10 in accordance with the present disclosure in a closed position.

[0017] In an embodiment, the microwave cooker 10 comprises a bowl 11 with a cover 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the bowl 11 has a first handle 12 and a second handle 13. The cover 14 is connected to the bowl 11 by a hinge 15 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is mounted in an indentation in the handle 13 of the bowl 11. The bowl 11 is capable of holding liquid. In various embodiments, the size of the bowl could vary to suit various uses. For example, the bowl 11 could be 1 quart in size, 2 quarts in size, 3 quarts in size, or 4 quarts in size. [0018] The cover 14 has a plurality of holes 16 that pass through the cover 14 and are in open communication with the interior of the bowl 11. The plurality of holes 16 allow liquid in the bowl 11 to be drained through the cover 14. In the illustrated embodiment, there are 108 holes in a hub and spoke pattern, however, it will be readily understood that there could be a smaller or larger number of holes, and the holes could be formed in a different pattern, so long as there are a sufficient number of holes to drain liquid contained in the bowl 11.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the illustrative round microwave cooker 10 of FIG. 1 in an open position. The illustration serves to show how the cover 14 can rotate 17 on the hinge 15 to reveal the interior of the bowl 11. In an embodiment, the microwave cooker 10 can be configured such that the cover 14 could be entirely removed from the bowl 11 by detaching the cover at the hinge 15. Regardless of whether a user simply rotates the cover 14 open or removes it entirely from the bowl, the user can then grasp the bowl by the handles 12 and 13 and carry the bowl, for example, to a table. It can be seen in this view that the holes 16 pass entirely through the cover 14.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 has a circular lip 18 entirely around the bottom of the cover 14. When the cover 14 is rotateed 17 closed, the lid fits into an indentation 19 encircling the top of the interior of the bowl 11, thereby forming a substantially water-tight seal.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a top view and side view of the illustrative round microwave cooker 10 of FIG. 1 in a closed position. The general form of the bowl 11 is such that the bowl 11 has a flat bottom and rounded sides. The handles 12 and 13 project out a sufficient distance and are of a sufficient with such that a user can grasp and lift the bowl 11. For example, in an embodiment, the handles 12 and 13 project out approximately 1 inch, and are approximately 3 inches wide. In the illustrated embodiment, the handles have rounded corners.

[0022] In an embodiment, the cover 14 is circular and slightly smaller in diameter than the bowl 11 and fits into the bowl as described above with respect to FIG. 2. In the illus- tratecl embodiment, the hinge 15 is located in an indentation in the handle 13. In various other embodiments, the hinge 15 could be located at a different position not associated with one of the handles 12 and 13, for example, at a 90° angle from the handles 12 and 13.

[0023] As discussed above, the pattern of the holes 16 in the cover 14 is that of a hub and spokes. Other patterns are possible, so long as there are a sufficient number of holes 16 to allow liquid to readily pass through the top of the cover 14.

[0024] In various embodiments, the microwave cooker 10 is constructed from any microwave-safe material now known or later to be developed in the art. In an embodiment, the bowl 11 is constructed from a microwave-safe material that is capable of holding boiling liquid without melting or warping. In an embodiment, the bowl 11 and the cover 14 are constructed from the same microwave-safe material. In other embodiments, the bowl 11 can be constructed of the heavier material than that used to construct the cover 14.

[0025] In an embodiment, the bowl 11 is manufactured as a single piece. In various other embodiments, the bowl could be manufactured as more than one component, for example, the bowl 11 could be manufactured separately from its handles 12 and 13, and then the bowl 11 and the handles 12 and could be assembled by a manufacturer or by a user. In an embodiment, the bowl 11 and the cover 14 could be manufactured as a single piece, where the hinge 15 represents a folding joint between the bowl 11 and the cover 14.

[0026] An exemplary use of the microwave cooker 10 could be as follows. Referring first to FIG. 2, with the cover 14 open, a user would place a volume of liquid, such as water, in the bowl 11 along with an item to be cooked, for example, noodles such as ramen noodles. The user then rotates 17 the cover 14 closed such that let 18 of the cover 14 is seated in a substantially water-tight manner in the indentation 19 encircling the top of the bowl 11, such as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] The user then takes the closed microwave cooker 10 and places it in a microwave oven and cooks the contents of the bowl 11 for a desired period of time, for example, a sufficient amount of time to bring the liquid in the bowl to a boiling temperature. When the user is done cooking the contents of the bowl 11, the user then drains the liquid from the bowl 11 through the holes 16 in the cover 14.

[0028] The user then rotates 17 open the cover 14 such that the bowl is in a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 2. As noted above, in some embodiments the cover 14 may be detachable at the hinge such that the user can remove the cover 14 entirely from the bowl 11. Regardless of whether the cover 14 is detached or not, the user can then grasp the bowl 11 by its handles 12 and 13 and carry the bowl 11 to a table where the user can then eat the contents of the bowl 11. The user could also simply dump the contents of the bowl 11 on a plate or uses the bowl as a serving vessel.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the microwave cooker 10 can be used to cook any food item in a microwave oven. One advantage of the microwave cooker 10 is that it is a bowl 11 with a cover 14 whose holes 16 can also serve as vents. Thus when the contents of the bowl are cooked, steam released by the cooking process vents through the holes and any spattering occurring during the cooking is contained by the cover 14.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative square microwave cooker 20 in accordance with the present disclosure in a closed position.

[0031] In an embodiment, the microwave cooker 20 comprises a bowl 21 with a cover 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the bowl 21 has a first handle 22 and a second handle 23. The cover 24 is connected to the bowl 21 by a hinge 25 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is mounted in an indentation in the handle 23 of the bowl 21. The bowl 21 is capable of holding liquid. In various embodiments, the size of the bowl could vary to suit various uses. For example, the bowl 21 could be 1 quart in size, 2 quarts in size, 3 quarts in size, or 4 quarts in size.

[0032] The cover 24 has a plurality of holes 26 that pass through the cover 24 and are in open communication with the interior of the bowl 21. The plurality of holes 26 allow liquid in the bowl 21 to be drained through the cover 24. In the illustrated embodiment, there are 77 holes in a grid pattern, however, it will be readily understood that there could be a smaller or larger number of holes, and the holes could be formed in a different pattern, so long as there are a sufficient number of holes to drain liquid contained in the bowl 21.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cover 24 additionally includes a tab 30 that partially overlays the first handle when the cover 24 is closed. The tab 30 allows a user to hold the cover in place when draining the cooker 20. This feature could also be present on the round microwave cooker of FIG. 1-3, or on any other embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the illustrative square microwave cooker 20 of FIG. 4 in an open position. The illustration serves to show how the cover 24 can rotate 27 on the hinge 25 to reveal the interior of the bowl 21. In an embodiment, the microwave cooker 20 can be configured such that the cover 24 could be entirely removed from the bowl 21 by detaching the cover at the hinge 25. Regardless of whether a user simply rotates the cover 24 open or removes it entirely from the bowl, the user can then grasp the bowl by the handles 22 and 23 and carry the bowl, for example, to a table. It can be seen in this view that the holes 26 pass entirely through the cover 24.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 24 has a lip 28 entirely around the bottom of the cover 24. When the cover 24 is rotateed 27 closed, the lid fits into an indentation 29 encircling the top of the interior of the bowl 21, thereby forming a substantially water-tight seal.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a top view and side view of the illustrative square microwave cooker 20 of FIG. 4 in a closed position. The general form of the bowl 21 is such that the bowl 21 has a flat bottom and substantially flat sides. The handles 22 and 23 project out a sufficient distance and are of a sufficient with such that a user can grasp and lift the bowl 21. For example, in an embodiment, the handles 22 and 23 project out approximately 1 inch, and are approximately 3 inches wide. In the illustrated embodiment, the handles are approximately semicircular. [0037] In an embodiment, the cover 24 is square and slightly smaller in width and length than the bowl 21 and fits into the bowl as described above with respect to FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 25 is located in an indentation in the handle 23. In various other embodiments, the hinge 25 could be located at a different position not associated with one of the handles 22 and 23, for example, at a 90° angle from the handles 22 and 23.

[0038] As discussed above, the pattern of the holes 26 in the cover 24 is that of a grid. Other patterns are possible, so long as there are a sufficient number of holes 26 to allow liquid to readily pass through the top of the cover 24.

[0039] In various embodiments, the microwave cooker 20 is constructed from any microwave-safe material now known or later to be developed in the art. In an embodiment, the bowl 21 is constructed from a microwave-safe material that is capable of holding boiling liquid without melting or warping. In an embodiment, the bowl 21 and the cover 24 are constructed from the same microwave-safe material. In other embodiments, the bowl 21 can be constructed of the heavier material than that used to construct the cover 24.

[0040] In an embodiment, the bowl 21 is manufactured as a single piece. In various other embodiments, the bowl could be manufactured as more than one component, for example, the bowl 21 could be manufactured separately from its handles 22 and 23, and then the bowl 21 and the handles 22 and could be assembled by a manufacturer or by a user. In an embodiment, the bowl 21 and the cover 24 could be manufactured as a single piece, where the hinge 25 represents a folding joint between the bowl 21 and the cover 24.

[0041] An exemplary use of the microwave cooker 20 could be as follows. Referring first to FIG. 5, with the cover 24 open, a user would place a volume of liquid, such as water, in the bowl 21 along with an item to be cooked, for example, noodles such as ramen noodles. The user then rotates 27 the cover 24 closed such that let 28 of the cover 24 is seated in a substantially water-tight manner in the indentation 29 encircling the top of the bowl 21, such as shown in FIG. 4. [0042] The user then takes the closed microwave cooker 20 and places it in a microwave oven and cooks the contents of the bowl 21 for a desired period of time, for example, a sufficient amount of time to bring the liquid in the bowl to a boiling temperature. When the user is done cooking the contents of the bowl 21, the user then drains the liquid from the bowl 21 through the holes 26 in the cover 24.

[0043] The user then rotates 27 open the cover 24 such that the bowl is in a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 5. As noted above, in some embodiments the cover 24 may be detachable at the hinge such that the user can remove the cover 24 entirely from the bowl 21. Regardless of whether the cover 24 is detached or not, the user can then grasp the bowl 21 by its handles 22 and 23 and carry the bowl 21 to a table where the user can then eat the contents of the bowl 21. The user could also simply dump the contents of the bowl 21 on a plate or uses the bowl as a serving vessel.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the microwave cooker 20 can be used to cook any food item in a microwave oven, for example, cooking or steaming vegetables. An advantage of the microwave cooker 20 is that it is a bowl 21 with a cover 24 whose holes 26 can also serve as vents. Thus when the contents of the bowl are cooked, steam released by the cooking process vents through the holes and any spattering occurring during the cooking is contained by the cover 24.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the microwave cooker of the present disclosure could be manufactured in other suitable shapes beyond the circular and square embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-6. For example, the microwave cooker could be manufactured in oval, hexagonal and rectangular shapes. In various embodiments, the microwave cooker of the present disclosure could include liquid measurement marking on the inside of the bowl, for example, 1 cup gradations in a 1 quart cooker.

[0046] The microwave cookers pictured FIG. 1-6 are inherently stackable, however, additional features could be added to enhance stackability, for example, rubber feet or locking tabs. The material used to manufacture the microwave cookers could come in a variety of colors, and be dishwasher safe, crack resistant and/or fade resistant.

[0047] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.