U.S. patent application number 12/840841 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for packaged frozen ready-made meal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Barilla G. e R, Fratelli S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Michele Amigoni, Andrea Bordini Cantucci, Ugo Cesare Sottili, Giancarlo Tedeschi, Sergio Veronesi.
Application Number | 20110020506 12/840841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41203876 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110020506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bordini Cantucci; Andrea ;
et al. |
January 27, 2011 |
Packaged Frozen Ready-Made Meal
Abstract
Packaged frozen ready-made meal including a flared receptacle
made of a rigid material permeable to microwaves, containing a
first frozen food component at the bottom, a second frozen food
component having a substantially plate-like shape, having a
substantially fluid consistency at a temperature above 0.degree.
C., and a closure element, wherein the second frozen food component
having a substantially plate-like shape is engaged in the manner of
a plug with the internal wall of the receptacle, spaced apart from
the first frozen food component.
Inventors: |
Bordini Cantucci; Andrea;
(Parma, IT) ; Veronesi; Sergio; (Basilicanova
(Parma), IT) ; Sottili; Ugo Cesare; (Marcaria
(Mantova), IT) ; Tedeschi; Giancarlo; (Fidenza
(Parma), IT) ; Amigoni; Michele; (Salsomaggiore Terme
(Parma), IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Assignee: |
Barilla G. e R, Fratelli
S.p.A.
Parma
IT
|
Family ID: |
41203876 |
Appl. No.: |
12/840841 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 ;
426/393 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2581/3431 20130101;
B65D 81/3841 20130101; B65D 81/3453 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 ;
426/393 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; B65D 81/34 20060101 B65D081/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 21, 2009 |
EP |
09425293.9 |
Claims
1) A packaged frozen ready-made meal comprising: a flared
receptacle made of a rigid material permeable to microwaves,
containing a first frozen food component at its bottom and a second
frozen food component having a substantially plate-like shape,
having a substantially fluid consistency at a temperature above
0.degree. C., and a closure element, wherein said second frozen
food component having a substantially plate-like shape is engaged
in the manner of a plug with the internal wall of said receptacle,
spaced apart from said first frozen food component.
2) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said flared receptacle is substantially cup-shaped and
tapered.
3) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said flared receptacle has substantially an overturned
truncated conical shape and the second frozen food component having
a substantially plate-like shape is discoidal.
4) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said first food component is a cereal-based frozen food
chosen from the group consisting of: pasta, rice, spelt, barley,
filled pasta, gnocchi, vegetables, preferably pasta.
5) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said second food component is a tomato-, cheese-, oil-,
bechamel-based condiment, optionally containing meat or fish, or
the like, preferably tomato-based.
6) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said packaged frozen ready-made meal comprises at the
bottom of said receptacle a predetermined quantity of ice or of
frozen aqueous solution.
7) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said receptacle is made of a rigid plastic material
suitable for use in a microwave oven and permeable to
microwaves.
8) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
wherein said closure element comprises a film of plastic material
sealed on the edges of the receptacle, preferably provided with
perforations.
9) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 8,
wherein said closure element further comprises a lid of rigid
plastic material, preferably of the same rigid plastic material in
which said receptacle is made.
10) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 1,
further comprising a rigid container, preferably of cardboard,
intended to receive and contain said flared receptacle with a
clearance such as to create an interspace between container and
receptacle, at least at the respective lateral walls.
11) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 10,
wherein said flared receptacle has a bottom and an opposite
opening, bordered by an edge folded outwards in a U-shape in such a
way as to form perimetrical flanging and an underlying perimetrical
grooving.
12) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 11,
wherein, near the free rim of said folded edge and along the entire
circumference of said edge there is a series of protrusions facing
inwards.
13) The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 12,
wherein said container, having a bottom and an opposite opening
bordered by an edge, receives in its interior said receptacle,
which remains firmly positioned and suitably centred thanks to the
engaging of the edge of said container to the perimetrical grooving
of the receptacle and thanks to the protrusions of the folded edge
8 of the receptacle.
14. The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 10,
wherein said lid exhibits on its external upper surface a recess
circular in shape suitable for receiving, by press-fit engagement,
the bottom of said container, thus forming a support stand for such
container.
15. The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to claim 9,
wherein said lid exhibits a series of protrusions arranged on the
internal surface of its edge, near its free rim, which are
suitable, once pressed beyond the folded edge of the receptacle,
for engaging it and retaining it firmly in position.
16. A method for the production of the packaged frozen ready-made
meal according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a) introducing
in said flared receptacle an appropriate quantity of said first
food component, optionally frozen; b) introducing said second
frozen food component having a substantially plate-like shape in
said flared receptacle containing said first food component in such
a way that the second food component is engaged with the internal
wall of said receptacle in the manner of a plug and spaced apart
from said first component below; c) closing said flared receptacle
by means of said closure element; d) freezing the lot.
17) The method according to claim 12, which comprises an additional
step of introduction of a predetermined quantity of water or of
aqueous solution inside said flared receptacle before performing
said step a).
18) The method according to claim 13, wherein said quantity of
water or of aqueous solution is 5% or lower based on the total
weight of said first and second food components.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to the technical
field of frozen ready-made meals.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a
packaged frozen ready-made meal, suitable for heating in a
microwave oven, comprising at least two food products intended to
come into contact with one another at the time of consumption.
[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for the
production of the frozen ready-made meal of the invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] To meet the needs of an ever-growing number of consumers who
do not always have the time or the means necessary for preparing a
hot meal in a conventional manner, the food industry has long been
making available various packaged food products suitable for being
rapidly cooked, heated or reconstituted, thus allowing the
preparation of hot meals in little time and with the aid of few
pieces of equipment or kitchen tools.
[0005] Such products are usually referred to as "ready-made meals"
or "ready to heat", "heat and go", "ready meal", etc.
[0006] Such products are particularly suitable for meeting the
needs of those who wish to eat a hot meal outside the home, such as
for example at the workplace, and in general in places where there
is no access to the use of a well-equipped kitchen. Such products
are also suitable for home use in all those circumstances in which
there is not the time, nor the possibility, of cooking a hot meal
in a conventional manner.
[0007] Among the wide range of packaged ready-made meals made
available by the industry, one specific type consists of first
course meals based on two food components: a main component,
generally cereal-based, such as pasta or rice, mixed or to be mixed
with a condiment, generally of a liquid or semi-liquid consistency.
Such ready-made meals can for example consist of pasta, rice,
filled pasta, gnocchi, cereal grains, and a sauce as a
condiment.
[0008] More commonly these products are packaged in sachets, trays,
cups or combinations of these, and can be frozen, sterilised or
freeze-dried.
[0009] In the case of frozen ready-made meals, they very often
exhibit the food components, for example a pasta and a sauce,
already mixed and placed in a tray, cup or other type of receptacle
suitable for heating in a standard or microwave oven. The consumer
is only required to heat the product thus packaged, following the
instructions, which may include preparation steps to the process of
heating the product, such as the removal of a film or wrapping, or
the transfer of the product onto a plate or into a suitable
container, or stirring or mixing of the product, depending on the
specific cases.
[0010] This solution has the drawback, however, of producing a meal
which is often disappointing from an organoleptic point of view,
because the prolonged contact between the various components of the
product during production of the ready-made meal and during its
subsequent thawing and heating causes migration of the water from
one component to the other, which causes a deterioration in its
texture and flavour. Moreover the product may be unevenly heated,
with certain parts of the product which are overcooked or too dry
or even burnt, having been exposed to heat for an excessively long
time, and with other parts having been exposed for too short a
time, for example the innermost parts, which are still cold and in
certain cases even still frozen at the time of consumption.
[0011] Moreover the possible need to remove films or even only to
mix the product during or after heating obliges the consumer to
perform a number of preparation steps with a consequent waste of
time, the need to soil kitchen tools and the risk of staining
clothes or of soiling the work surfaces and the surfaces of the
oven.
[0012] Other solutions involve the separation of the two components
up to the time of their consumption, subsequent to their heating,
for example in a microwave oven. Please see, by way of example,
Japanese patent JP 2296683 (Otsuka Chemical Co. Ltd), which
describes a packaging consisting of a receptacle containing a solid
food such as for example rice or pasta, underlying a lid which
receives inside a frozen condiment which becomes fluid upon
heating. The receptacle and the lid are separated by a partition
which has a hole. Upon heating, steam is generated by the sauce in
the lid and there is an increase in the pressure which pushes the
sauce through the hole and into the receptacle.
[0013] This solution, though more satisfactory compared to that
described previously, suffers from the drawback of requiring a
somewhat complex and therefore relatively costly packaging.
Moreover it can happen that, owing to production defects or simply
owing to chance, the hole does not allow the easy passage of the
fluid condiment, for example in the case wherein the hole becomes
clogged at the passage of the condiment. Moreover such packaging is
not suitable for use with sauces including granulated ingredients
as the latter could clog the hole. This entails a limitation in the
range of recipes which are suitable for being used in association
with this packaging.
[0014] The document JP 8332040 (Kiyuusai KK) describes packaged
frozen noodles wherein a receptacle contains frozen noodles,
(separately) packaged crushed ice, a (separately) concentrated and
packaged sauce and a (separately) packaged condiment. To prepare
this ready-made meal the packagings of ice, sauce and condiment
have to be removed from the receptacle and the receptacle with the
noodles is then placed in a microwave oven until the noodles are
heated. The receptacle is then removed from the oven, the ice is
added to the noodles and mixing is performed to melt the ice. The
sauce and condiment are then added and the noodles are cooked.
[0015] Although it may be satisfactory from an organoleptic
standpoint, this solution appears, however, somewhat work-intensive
in that it involves the consumer performing numerous operations
during the entire preparation of the ready-made meal. Moreover, in
order to perform these operations, the consumer is forced to
interrupt the heating process, with the result that there will be
two heating steps. This, as well as being demanding on the consumer
who must actively attend to the preparation of the ready-made meal,
also entails a slowing-down of the preparation time of the
ready-made meal with consequent additional disadvantage for the
consumer.
[0016] The need therefore arises to make available a packaged
frozen ready-made meal suitable for a simple, easy, rapid, even
and, organoleptically satisfactory heating, in a microwave oven,
according to a method which does not require any additional
expedient, preparation step or tool before or during heating and
which thus overcomes all the inconveniences encountered in the
prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A similar problem has been solved, according to the
invention, by a packaged frozen ready-made meal comprising: [0018]
a flared receptacle made of rigid material permeable to microwaves,
containing a first frozen food component, at its bottom and a
second frozen food component having a substantially plate-like
shape, having a substantially fluid consistency at a temperature
above 0.degree. C., [0019] and a closure element, wherein said
second frozen food component having a substantially plate-like
shape engages in the manner of a plug with the internal wall of
said receptacle, spaced apart from said first frozen food
component.
[0020] Such flared receptacle is preferably substantially
cup-shaped.
[0021] Such flared receptacle is preferably tapered.
[0022] According to an aspect of the invention, the flared
receptacle has an overturned truncated conical shape and the second
frozen food component having a substantially plate-like shape is
discoidal in shape.
[0023] The first food component is preferably a cereal-based frozen
food chosen from the group consisting of: pasta, rice, spelt,
barley, filled pasta, gnocchi, vegetables, preferably pasta.
[0024] The second food component is preferably a tomato-, cheese-,
oil-, bechamel-based condiment, optionally containing meat or fish,
or the like, preferably tomato-based.
[0025] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the packaged frozen
ready-made meal comprises at the bottom of the abovementioned
receptacle a predetermined quantity of ice or frozen aqueous
solution, generally 5% or lower based on the total weight of said
first and second food components.
[0026] Such aqueous solution can consist of a sodium chloride
solution at a concentration of 1-2% in weight over volume.
[0027] The receptacle preferably consists of a rigid plastic
material suitable for use in a microwave oven and permeable to
microwaves. The closure element comprises a film of plastic
material sealed on the edges of the receptacle. Such film is
preferably provided with perforations of adequate size for allowing
the release of the steam generated during heating, when it exceeds
a predetermined pressure, above atmospheric pressure.
[0028] The holes of the closure film generally have a diameter of
0.2-0.4 mm and are found in a number comprised between 50 and 100,
preferably arranged in parallel rows.
[0029] A controlled maintenance of a slight excess pressure inside
the receptacle, in fact, accelerates the heating of the foods
contained therein.
[0030] The closure element may further comprise a lid, also made of
a rigid plastic material.
[0031] The abovementioned plastic material is preferably chosen
from the group comprising polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and
polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
[0032] The closure element is preferably made of the same material
as the receptacle. The abovementioned closure film preferably
consists of coupled PP/PET, the side of the film facing the
exterior of the packaged frozen ready-made meal consisting of
PET.
[0033] The closure film can also consist of a PE-based multilayer
film, containing a layer having oxygen barrier properties. The
material which makes up the gas barrier layer can be chosen from
the group comprising polymers and copolymers of ethylene vinyl
alcohol (EVOH), nylon, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), poly or
copolyamides and their combinations, oxides of metals/silicon. The
abovementioned material is preferably a polymer or copolymer of
ethylene vinyl alcohol or nylon.
[0034] In the case of use of a film and of a receptacle with gas
barrier properties, the holes in the closure film are closed by a
barrier label or barrier lacquer and they open up during heating
thanks to the temperature and the pressure, allowing the release of
steam.
[0035] In a particular aspect of the invention, the packaged frozen
ready-made meal according to the present invention further
comprises a rigid cardboard container intended to receive and
contain the above-mentioned flared receptacle with such clearance
as to create an interspace between the container and the
receptacle, at the respective lateral walls and optionally also at
the respective bottoms. In such way, it is easier for the consumer
to handle the packaged ready-made meal, once it has been taken out
of the microwave oven, because the abovementioned interspace
prevents the external cardboard container from heating up
excessively and averts any risk of scalding the consumer.
[0036] Additional protection against accidental scalding is
obtained when the aforementioned closure element comprises, in
addition to the closure film, also a lid of rigid plastic material,
above all when such lid is placed above the closure film spaced
apart therefrom, so as to create an interspace.
[0037] According to a particular aspect of the packaged frozen
ready-made meal according to the present invention, the
abovementioned lid exhibits on its outer upper surface a recess of
circular shape suitable for receiving, once it has been removed, by
press fit engagement, the bottom of the external cardboard
container of the packaged frozen ready-made meal, thus constituting
a convenient support stand for such container.
[0038] The packaged frozen ready-made meal according to the
invention preferably comprises a quantity of the two food
components suitable for forming a single-portion ready-made
meal.
[0039] The present invention moreover refers to a method for the
production of the packaged ready-made meal of the invention which
comprises the steps of: [0040] a) introducing in a flared
receptacle as described above an appropriate quantity of a first
food component, optionally frozen; [0041] b) introducing a second
frozen food component as described above in the flared receptacle
containing the first food component in such a way that the second
food component is engaged with the internal wall of the receptacle
in the manner of a plug and spaced apart from the first component
below; [0042] c) closing said flared receptacle (2) by means of
said closure element (3); [0043] d) freezing the lot.
[0044] Preferably such flared receptacle is substantially
cup-shaped.
[0045] According to an aspect of the invention, the flared
receptacle has an overturned truncated conical shape and the second
frozen food component having a substantially plate-like shape is
discoidal.
[0046] The first food component is preferably a cereal-based food
chosen from the group consisting of: pasta, rice, spelt, barley,
filled pasta, gnocchi, vegetables, preferably pasta, and may be
ready-frozen.
[0047] The second food component is preferably a tomato-, cheese-,
oil-, bechamel-based condiment, optionally containing meat or fish,
or the like, preferably tomato-based.
[0048] In a preferred aspect, the method comprises an additional
step of introduction of a predetermined quantity of water or of an
aqueous solution inside said flared receptacle before performing
the abovementioned step a).
[0049] The quantity of water or of aqueous solution is preferably
5% or lower based on the total weight of said first and second food
components.
[0050] Such aqueous solution preferably consists of a sodium
chloride solution at a concentration of 1-2% in weight over
volume.
[0051] The method preferably uses a receptacle consisting of a
rigid plastic material suitable for use in a microwave oven and
permeable to microwaves.
[0052] The quantity of the two food components is preferably
suitable for forming a single-portion ready-made meal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
packaged ready-made meal according to the present invention, with a
cut-away section to show the interior of the package.
[0054] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the structural parts of an
embodiment of the packaged ready-made meal according to the
invention, before the introduction of the food components.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the packaged
ready-made meal according to the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an
embodiment of the packaged ready-made meal of the present invention
at the time of its use by a consumer.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a photograph from above which shows the packaged
ready-made meal according to example 1 of the present application,
at the end of heating for the purposes of its consumption.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a photograph from above which shows the packaged
ready-made meal according to example 2 of the present application,
at the end of heating for the purposes of its consumption.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] With reference to the drawings, reference numeral 1
identifies the overall packaged ready-made meal according to an
embodiment.
[0060] The receptacle 2 is of the type suitable for being used in a
microwave oven and is provided with a closure element 3, consisting
of a closure film 31 provided with perforations 32 and a lid 33,
preferably of the same material as the receptacle.
[0061] The materials used for making the receptacle 2 and the
closure element 3 are all specifically permeable to microwaves and
suitable for being exposed to the microwaves without spoiling the
organoleptic qualities of the food products with which they come
into contact. More particularly they are preferably made with
plastic materials suitable for use in a microwave oven, for example
polypropylene.
[0062] The receptacle is rigid and flared and may be substantially
cup-shaped. According to a preferred embodiment, shown in the
drawings, the receptacle 2 has an overturned truncated conical
shape and rests on its base 4, which corresponds to the smaller
base of the truncated conical frustum. In this embodiment the
receptacle is tapered along the entire lateral wall 5.
[0063] On the bottom of the receptacle, resting on the base 4 of
the receptacle 2, is housed the first food component 6, which,
according to a preferred embodiment, consists of a portion of
pasta. Such pasta is partially cooked and unseasoned and may have
been frozen in a loose state. The second food component 7, which,
according to a preferred embodiment consists of a frozen
tomato-based sauce, has a plate-like shape. In a preferred
embodiment and as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2, such second
component has a disc shape. The dimension of the diameter of such
disc is such that, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the disc is engaged
with the flaring of the receptacle and thus remains spaced apart
from the first food component 6 below. Obviously the second food
component having a plate-like shape can also have other shapes,
provided they are suitable for enabling a spacing apart from the
first food component contained in the receptacle; for example, if a
receptacle having an oval cross section is used, the second food
component having a plate-like shape will also conveniently be
oval-shaped.
[0064] It is by virtue of the generally flared, or tapered, shape
of the receptacle in fact that the first and the second food
components are spaced apart with respect to each other.
[0065] During thawing and heating of the packaged ready-made meal 1
in a microwave oven, both food components 6 and 7 heat up. In
particular the first component 6, below, heats up rapidly and
evenly by virtue of its relatively large surface of exposure to the
microwaves. The second component 7, engaged with the internal
lateral surface in the manner of a plug, passes from the solid
state to the fluid state as it heats up, thus losing its engagement
with such surface and sliding by gravity towards the base of the
receptacle, and consequently onto the first component.
[0066] In this way, for most of the heating time, the first 6 and
the second 7 food components have all their respective external
surfaces exposed to the microwaves. Thanks to this expedient, the
heating time is optimised and the heating is therefore even and
satisfactory.
[0067] In turn, the reduction in the heating time and the evenness
in heating result in a better preservation of the consistency of
the end product ready for consumption compared to the prior art, as
no part of the food components is subjected to excessive and
inadequate heat treatment and, at the same time, it does not occur
that there are cold areas left when other areas have already been
excessively heated.
[0068] The heating will not spoil, therefore, the original
organoleptic properties of the components which will be optimal and
thus, for example, the pasta will be "al dente" and the rice will
have the desired texture.
[0069] The two food components will then come into contact at a
fairly advanced stage of the heating, when the second component is
thawed and in the fluid state.
[0070] It has been found in fact that, in order to preserve the
optimal properties of consistency and flavour, it is preferable for
the first food component, for example the pasta, not to be placed
in contact with the second component, for example a tomato-based
sauce, during the entire time of production and of subsequent
thawing and heating of the frozen packaged ready-made meal. The two
components can be characterised, in fact, by different water
contents and their prolonged contact during the steps of production
and, subsequently, the step of thawing and heating would cause
migration of the moisture from the higher moisture component to the
lower moisture component, altering the textures of both components
and jeopardising their organoleptic characteristics.
[0071] For this reason, in the present invention, the food
components do not come into contact one with the other throughout
the entire production and storage time of the packaged ready-made
meal and for most of its heating time.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of
the invention, the second food component 7 is held in engagement
with the internal wall of the receptacle thanks to the conicity of
the same. Naturally, a person skilled in the art will easily
understand that other expedients can be used in order to obtain
effective engaging with the internal wall for the purpose of the
invention.
[0073] For example, a sharp variation in the section can be made,
at a point of the vertical axis, such that the variation in section
forms a horizontal support, at the borders, for the second
plate-like food component.
[0074] Effective engaging with the internal wall of the receptacle
can be obtained also, for example, with the creation of protrusions
on the same.
[0075] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the receptacle contains, additionally, on the bottom, a
layer of ice or of frozen aqueous solution.
[0076] In fact, although exposure of the frozen cooked pasta to the
microwaves may constitute an ideal treatment for thawing and
heating of the packaged ready-made meal of the invention, it has
been found that an even more homogeneous and therefore even more
satisfactory cooking is achieved by providing a source of steam
inside the receptacle.
[0077] The frozen aqueous solution, or ice, in fact, during
heating, generates water vapour which pervades the receptacle,
transporting heat and moisture through the first and the second
food component. Thus, cooking is achieved in a steam atmosphere
which is considerably more effective and faster in bringing the
food components 6 and 7 to the desired temperature. Moreover this
cooking method allows a more even result to be obtained in shorter
times, and helps prevent the formation of excessively dry areas,
typical, at times, of microwave cooking. The generation of steam
from the ice or from the frozen solution which is found on the
bottom of the receptacle compensates the evaporation of water from
the food components contained in the receptacle and reduces general
drying of the latter.
[0078] According to a particular embodiment of the present
invention and with reference to FIGS. 2-4, the packaged ready-made
meal comprises a rigid receptacle 2, for example in polypropylene,
having an overturned truncated conical shape with a bottom 4 and an
opposite opening, bordered by an edge 8. The edge 8 of the opening
is folded outwards in a U shape so as to form a perimetrical
flanging 9 and an underlying perimetrical grooving 10. Near the
free rim of the folded edge 8 and along the entire circumference
there is a series of protrusions 81 facing inwards.
[0079] The packaged ready-made meal also comprises a container 11,
for example of cardboard, having an overturned truncated conical
shape, having a bottom 12 and an opposite opening bordered by an
edge 13; the container 11 receives in its interior the receptacle
2, which remains suitably centred and positioned thanks to the
engaging of the edge 13 of the container 11 to the perimetrical
grooving 10 of the receptacle 2 and thanks to the protrusions 81 of
the folded edge 8 of the receptacle 2.
[0080] The receptacle 2 must in fact be introduced in the container
11 by exerting a slight pressure in such a way that the protrusions
81 pass beyond the edge 13 of the container 11 and then engage it,
thus preventing separation of the container 11 from the receptacle
unless a certain force is applied.
[0081] The closure element 3 of the packaged ready-made meal
according to the present embodiment comprises a film 31, for
example of coupled PP/PET, provided with perforations 32, sealed on
the flanging 9 of the edge 8 of the receptacle. It also comprises a
lid 33, made for example of the same material as the receptacle 2
and having on its upper surface a circular recess 34, having a
diameter substantially corresponding--in practice slightly
greater--to the diameter of the bottom 12 of the container 11. The
lid 33 is placed on the opening of the receptacle 2 with a light
pressure, so as to engage the folded edge 8 of such receptacle.
Engaging is ensured thanks to a series of protrusions 35 arranged
on the internal surface of the edge 36 of the lid 33, near its free
rim, which, once pressed beyond the folded edge 8 of the receptacle
2, engage it and retain it firmly in position.
[0082] As can be seen clearly in FIG. 4, the lid 3, thanks to the
presence of the circular recess 34, once removed from the packaged
ready-made meal ready for use, can receive, by press fit
engagement, the bottom 12 of the container 11, so as to form a
support stand for such container.
[0083] Thanks to all the features disclosed hitherto, the packaged
ready-made meal according to the invention has the advantage of
allowing a convenient and easy preparation of the ready-made meal.
In fact, for its preparation for consumption by the end consumer,
it is not necessary to use any kitchen tool or piece of crockery,
just as it is not necessary to perform any step of decanting,
transferring or mixing, before or during its heating in the
oven.
[0084] The end consumer in fact is only required to introduce the
packaged ready-made meal as it is in the microwave oven, at a power
setting between for example 750 and 1800 W, for a time comprised
between 2 and 6 minutes.
[0085] At the end of the set heating time the consumer may open the
packaged ready-made meal and consume the ready-made meal directly,
for example, with a fork, straight from the receptacle, after
optionally mixing, if desired.
[0086] It has been found experimentally that when using a packaged
ready made meal similar in all aspects to that according to the
present invention except for the fact of not contemplating the
separation of the two food components (for example pasta and sauce)
contained in the receptacle (for example mixed and frozen pasta and
sauce), the time necessary for thawing and heating to the
temperature of consumption is considerably greater, typically by
20-25%.
[0087] Since the food components do not come into contact with one
another until shortly before the end of the heating time, and for
the reasons disclosed above, it is not in fact necessary to mix the
components during heating. As a result the heating times are
considerably reduced as there are no interruptions while the
convenience for the consumer is considerably increased.
[0088] Compared to the solutions of the prior art which use
separate packagings for each of the two food components (for
example pasta and sauce), the consumer will benefit from the fact
of not having to pour one component into the other, or interrupt
the heating process to mix the food components. He or she will not
therefore risk staining clothes or soiling the oven or work
surfaces with splashes in any of these steps.
[0089] Another advantageous feature of the present invention is
given by the fact that, by virtue of the special positioning of the
second component in relation to the first, it is possible to detect
any interruption of the cold chain which the packaged ready-made
meal may have undergone during its storage and transport. In fact,
if it were to be detected, at the time of purchase or of final
preparation, that the second component is resting on the first
component, this would be clear indication of the fact that the
second component has undergone unexpected thawing.
[0090] From the point of view of costs, finally, the present
invention entails advantages. The receptacle of the present
invention, in fact, has a simple shape and, for the purposes of the
invention, there is no need for any grooving, ribbing, partitioning
or other similar means, as instead adopted in many cases by the
prior art. Therefore the receptacle and the external container of
the packaging according to the present invention are economical to
produce and easily stackable and therefore convenient for
industrial use.
[0091] The present invention will now be described in further
detail with reference to a non-limiting illustrative example.
Example 1
[0092] A rigid receptacle 2 in polypropylene was set up having an
overturned truncated conical shape and a bottom 75 mm in diameter,
an opening 105 mm in diameter, and 95 mm in height. The edge 8 of
the opening is folded outwards in a U shape so as to create a
perimetrical flanging 9 and an underlying perimetrical grooving 10.
The maximum diameter at the flanging 9 is of about 115 mm.
[0093] 5 ml of water and 130 g of partially cooked and unseasoned
pasta, i.e. equivalent to a standard individual portion, were
placed on the bottom of the receptacle.
[0094] Aside, a tomato-based sauce was prepared, comprising the
following ingredients, in weight percentages based on the total
weight of the sauce:
TABLE-US-00001 Tomato pulp 83 Double concentrated tomato paste 6
Onion 3.5 Extra-virgin olive oil 3.5 Salt 1.25 Garlic 1.33 Chilli
pepper 0.12 Parsley 1.3
[0095] Such sauce was then frozen in disc shapes 95 mm in diameter
and about 10 mm thick, and 120 g in weight.
[0096] Such a disc was then placed inside the receptacle containing
the pasta.
[0097] Thanks to the tapering of the receptacle and the dimensions
of the sauce disc, the disc remained engaged with the wall of the
surface of the receptacle in the manner of a plug, spaced apart
from the pasta. The distance between the sauce and pasta was of
about 10 mm.
[0098] The receptacle 2 was then closed with a film 31 of coupled
PP/PET, provided with perforations 32, sealed on the flanging 9 of
the edge 8 of the receptacle. The holes 32 were arranged, in a
total number of 83, in three parallel rows spaced apart by 18 mm,
one of which passing through the diameter of the opening of the
receptacle 2. Each hole had a diameter of 0.3 mm and was spaced
apart from the adjacent hole/holes by 3.7 mm. This configuration
has been shown to allow the maintenance of a slight excess pressure
inside the receptacle without the risk of creating tensions in the
film such as to cause its detachment.
[0099] The receptacle 2 was then placed inside a cardboard
container 11 having an overturned truncated conical shape, whose
bottom 12 has a diameter of about 83 mm and whose opening has a
diameter of about 115 mm. The container 11 is about 100 mm in
height and can receive in its interior the receptacle 2, which
remains suitably centred and positioned thanks to the engaging of
the edge 13 of the container 11 to the perimetrical grooving 10 of
the receptacle 2 and thanks to the protrudings 81 found inside the
edge 8 of the receptacle 2.
[0100] A lid 33 made of the same material as the receptacle 2,
having a diameter of 120 mm and exhibiting on its upper surface a
circular recess 34, having a diameter of about 85 mm, is finally
placed on the opening of the receptacle 2 with a light pressure in
such a way as to engage the folded edge 8 of such receptacle.
Engaging is ensured thanks to a series of protrudings 35 arranged
on the internal surface of the edge 36 of the lid 33, near its
clear rim, which, once pressed beyond the folded edge 8 of the
receptacle 2, engage it and retain it firmly in position.
[0101] The packaged frozen ready-made meal completed in this way is
then frozen and stored in the freezer at a temperature of
-18.degree. C. or lower.
Example 2
Comparative
[0102] The same receptacle 2, the same container 11 and the same
lid 33 used in the preparation of the packaged frozen ready-made
meal according to example 1 were used.
[0103] Also in this case, 5 ml of water and then 130 g of partially
cooked pasta and 120 g of the tomato-based sauce of example 1 were
placed in the receptacle on the bottom of the receptacle 2.
[0104] The receptacle 2 was then closed with the same film of
coupled PET/PP as per example 1, having the same perforations.
[0105] The packaged frozen ready-made meal was completed by the
same procedures as per example 1, using the same container 11 and
the same lid 33, and was then frozen and finally stored in the
freezer at a temperature of -18.degree. C. or lower.
Example 3
[0106] The packaged ready-made meals according to Examples 1 and 2
were prepared with a microwave oven to assess their organoleptic
properties.
[0107] The two packaged ready-made meals were placed in a microwave
oven, still sealed with the lid, and a power of 900 W was applied.
The time of treatment in the microwave oven was 4 minutes for the
packaged ready-made meal according to example 1 and 5 minutes for
the packaged ready-made meal according to example 2.
[0108] At the end of the set time the packaged ready-made meals
were opened and their content was inspected.
[0109] As can be seen in FIG. 5, referring to a packaged ready-made
meal according to example 1 and therefore according to the present
invention, the pasta contained in the cup is completely covered
with the tomato-based sauce.
[0110] In FIG. 6, referring to the comparative example 2, it can be
seen that some pieces of pasta emerge from the sauce and exhibit
clear signs of burning (above all those which are found near the
wall of the receptacle).
[0111] The average temperature of the product contained in each of
the two packaged ready-made meals was also measured and it was
found that in both cases such average temperature was around
65.degree. C.
[0112] The pasta contained in the packaged ready-made meal as per
example 1 has, in an even manner, the moisture content and the
consistency typical of freshly cooked conventional pasta whereas
the pasta contained in the packaged ready-made meal according to
example 2 is uneven as regards moisture content and consistency,
with single pieces of pasta being particularly dehydrated and
occasionally burnt in the uppermost layers and above all near the
wall of the receptacle.
[0113] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that
the frozen disc of sauce protects the underlying pasta from
excessive dehydration, preventing the release from the container of
the water vapour generated during heating. The steam retained below
the sauce also contributes to the even and rapid heating of the
pasta.
[0114] Obviously a person skilled in the art, for the purpose of
satisfying contingent and specific needs, may make numerous
modifications and variations to the invention described above, all
moreover contained within the scope of protection of the invention
as defined by the following claims.
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