JP2013063277A - Temperature controlled fluid bath food holding device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and method for storing a cooked food in a flexible-walled container having an opening.SOLUTION: The method includes placing a quantity of food in the flexible-walled container 20 and submerging at least a portion of the container in a liquid with the opening being located so that liquid does not enter the opening. At least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid and the food is maintained in the container below the surface of the liquid. The liquid collapses the container to seal the container. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained at a non-ambient temperature to heat or cool the food as it is stored. The method may also include storing the food adjacent a work surface, or at a remote main vat and transporting a rack to the work surface at which a serving that includes the food is prepared.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing cooked food in a container with a flexible wall having an opening. In particular, the apparatus and method of the present invention preserves food immersed in a liquid and contained in a container without the liquid entering the opening of the container.

[0002] Restaurants often provide a relatively large amount of food in a relatively short time, especially in restaurants that serve quickly. It would be advantageous to store large quantities of cooked food in such a way that it can be easily used for incorporation into a supplied sandwich or other food and maintain the quality of the food over a long shelf life.

  As a result, there is a need for a storage method and apparatus that is easily accessible for use in preparing food products such as sandwiches while allowing cooked foods to be stored at high temperatures.

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for holding a food product immersed in a fluid contained in a container with a flexible wall without direct contact with the food product. According to this method, when the container is immersed in the fluid bath, it is automatically at least substantially sealed, thereby sealing the food product contained therein from the ambient atmosphere. By this method, the food product can be stored in a non-ambient temperature fluid bath and the food product can be heated or cooled as desired during storage. The food product can be stored next to the work surface or area, and the food product can be used efficiently in preparing a sandwich or other food on the work surface.

[0004] According to the method of the present invention, the food product is contained in a container that can be automatically resealed by the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid tank when the user takes out a part of the food product contained in the container. Saved.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, the food product is immersed in a hot water tank and can be taken out of the hot water tank at one position and transferred to the hot water tank at a second position. A method of saving is provided.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for storing a cooked food product in a flexible walled container having an opening. This method involves placing a quantity of cooked food in a liquid impervious container with a flexible wall and a flexible wall with the opening positioned so that liquid does not enter the opening. Dipping at least a portion of the parted container in a liquid. At least the lower part of the container is maintained in the liquid. The food is maintained below the surface of the liquid in the container. The fluid can collapse the container at a location above that amount of food and seal the internal volume of the container containing the food from the ambient atmosphere.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid is maintained at an elevated temperature relative to ambient temperature (72 ° F. (22 ° C.)).

[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the liquid is maintained at a low temperature relative to ambient temperature.

[0009] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the container is restrained and prevented from floating.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the food product is removed from the container while immersed, for example to prepare a sandwich or other food product. Usually, foods use appropriate tools such as tongs inserted into the opening of the container to separate the collapsed side walls of the container, access the food contained therein, and grasp it. The food is removed by allowing all or a desired portion of the food to be removed from the container.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food storage device including a rack and a container with a flexible wall fixed to the rack in a manner that prevents the container from rising. The At least a portion of the rack can be immersed in the liquid so that at least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid. The rack allows the container to be opened by inserting a tool while the lower part of the container is immersed, separating the crushed side wall so that the food contained therein can be accessed and removed. To.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid is contained in a tank. Typically, the tank is located at or near the work surface used to prepare a sandwich or other food.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first tank is provided at a position remote from the sandwich preparation area. Usually, the rack is first immersed in the first tank at a remote location. The rack is transported from the first tank and immersed in the second tank adjacent to the work surface with the container fixed to the container and the food being placed in the container when the food needs to be supplied. Can do.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the container is a bag, which is specifically configured for use in accordance with various aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrostatic force is applied to the top and bottom of the bag while the bag is fixed to the frame and the top of the frame, and the top of the side wall of the bag is held in an open position. Seal the bag between. The spaced open top of the bag allows the user to conveniently access the interior of the bag, for example by inserting an appropriate tool through the bag opening and applying an outward force on the side wall, The sealed side wall can be separated by hand. The food product stored therein can now be removed from the bag with the tool.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the bag has a gusset that forms the bottom of the bag, the bag is adjacent to the top sidewall and includes a sleeve formed adjacent to the gusset, It is fixed to the frame with a sleeve.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the frame includes a pivotable mounting member that pivots from the frame to facilitate mounting of the bag to the frame.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a rod or elongate member that is suitably positioned and insertable into a sleeve associated with the bag to secure the bag to the frame.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also includes a tank that holds the tank fluid, which can be placed next to the work surface, where a desired food product, such as a sandwich, is placed. As provided, the soaked food product can be removed from the container in the tank and combined with other food products.

[0020] In another embodiment, the frame includes a handle and is transferable from one tank to another, such as a tank that is moved in and out of the tank and adjacent to a remote holding tank and a work station for preparing meals. .

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a heating device. Typically, the heating device maintains the temperature of the liquid at the desired high temperature, which may be about 150 ° F. (65.6 ° C.) or higher.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for holding a food product immersed in a fluid and accommodated in a container with a flexible wall without direct contact between the food product and the fluid. Is done. The apparatus includes a frame having a base, a side support, and a top end. The apparatus also has a flexible walled container, a closed bottom, and a flexible walled container with an opening on its top to provide access to the interior of the container. The container is attached to the frame in a state where the container is fixed to the frame adjacent to the opening of the container. The frame spaces the side walls of the container and maintains it adjacent to the opening of the container, providing convenient access to the interior of the container and the contents stored therein. The container is further fixed to the frame and restricts the bottom of the container from moving upwards, such as by buoyancy applied to the container when immersed in the liquid. The flexible side walls of the container are operable inward to contact each other at an intermediate position between the opening and bottom of the container while the container is secured to the frame. This seals or at least substantially seals the interior of the container from the ambient atmosphere at a position between the opening of the container and the bottom of the container.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the container includes at least one sleeve adjacent the bottom of the container and the frame has at least one bar. A rod is inserted into the sleeve to secure the container to the frame and limit the rise of the bottom of the container due to buoyancy when the frame and container are immersed in fluid.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the container includes a first side wall and a second side wall, and the container is disposed along the first side wall and next to the opening of the container. Has a sleeve. The container also has a second sleeve disposed along the second side wall and next to the opening of the container. According to the present invention, a frame that secures the container in place for immersion in fluid includes a mounting member at the top end of the frame. The mounting member cooperates with the first and second sleeves to secure the container to the frame adjacent to the container opening. The mounting member can be rotatably mounted on the top of the frame. The mounting member is pivotably movable between a first position adjacent to the frame and a second position at least partially spaced from the frame. The second position facilitates attaching the container to the mounting member and securing the container to the frame adjacent to the opening of the container.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchange device is provided to maintain the fluid reservoir at a high temperature relative to ambient temperature.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchange device is provided to maintain the fluid bath at a low temperature relative to ambient temperature in order to store food to be cooled when held in the device.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, the food product is stored at a work station for use in preparing food containing the food product. The apparatus includes a work surface for preparing meals and a tank disposed next to the work surface. The apparatus also includes a frame that can be disposed within the tank. A container that holds the food product within itself and can be described herein is secured to the frame.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes at least a second tank and the frame includes a handle for transferring the frame with the container and the food product disposed within the container. Typically, the frame is transferred from the first tank to the second tank and is at least partially immersed in the second tank.

[0029] In yet another aspect of the invention, the container is a fluid impermeable and flexible bag.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus has a bag, which includes a gusset that forms at least a portion of the bottom of the bag. The gusset has a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab, and a section in which the first gusset tab is secured to the second gusset tab to form a sleeve. The frame includes a mounting member that is inserted into the sleeve to mount the bag to the frame and limit the lifting of the bag when the frame is placed in the fluid reservoir.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a handle on the frame to remove the frame from and into the tank. The frame handle is also used to transfer the frame between one tank and another, such as between a remote main holding tank and a tank adjacent to a work station that prepares food products such as sandwiches.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, a rack is provided for holding a container with a flexible wall having an open end and a bottom. The container is configured to hold the food product immersed in the fluid, usually in the bottom or bottom of the container, without direct contact between the food product and the fluid. The rack has a bottom and a top. A top mounting member is provided for mounting the open upper end of the container in the open position. The rack also includes at least one lower mounting structure to hold the bottom of the container and prevent the bottom of the container from rising due to buoyancy when placed in the fluid.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, the rack includes a support surface that includes a bottom gusset that supports the container, with one gusset tab on one side of the support surface and another gusset tab on the other side of the support surface. .

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container with a flexible wall that supports a food product immersed in a fluid. The container has a top with an opening to the interior of the container. The container also has a flexible side wall and a bottom that can include a gusset portion. At least a first mounting structure is disposed in the vicinity of the top opening for mounting the top of the container. In order to suppress the bottom of the container and prevent the lower part of the container from rising due to buoyancy, a suppression structure is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container has a mounting structure on a base disposed in the vicinity of the top opening in order to mount the container and maintain the opening in the open position. Has a second restraining structure arranged in the vicinity of the lower part of the container.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container includes a plurality of holding structures arranged at the lower part of the container in order to prevent the lower part of the container from rising due to buoyancy. Typically, the holding structure is a container hole located in a reinforced section of the container.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the side wall of the container includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The first attachment structure is a sleeve formed adjacent to the opening on the first side wall. The container may have a second mounting structure, which may be a sleeve formed on the second side wall, similarly adjacent to the opening.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, the side wall of the container includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The first side wall has a bottom end, and the second side wall has a bottom end. The container also includes a first gusset having a bottom end and a top end, and a second gusset tab having a bottom end and a top end as well. The bottom end of the first gusset tab is disposed adjacent to the bottom end of the first side wall. Similarly, the bottom end of the second gusset tab is disposed adjacent to the bottom end of the second side wall. The top end of the first gusset tab is connected to the top end of the second gusset tab.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the junction of the top ends of the first and second gusset tabs provides a support surface that supports the lower end of the container.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container side wall includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The first side wall has a bottom end, and the second side wall has a bottom end. The gusset portion includes a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab. The first gusset tab has a bottom end and a top end, and the second gusset tab has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of the first gusset tab is disposed against the bottom end of the first side wall, and the bottom end of the second side wall is disposed adjacent to the bottom end of the second gusset tab. The top end of the first gusset tab is connected to the top end of the second gusset tab. The interior of the container has a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is disposed between the first side wall and the first gusset tab. The second chamber is disposed between the second side wall and the second gusset tab.

[0041] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container with a flexible wall for holding a food product immersed in a fluid. The container includes a top having an opening to the interior of the container. The container has a first flexible sidewall with an outer surface and an inner surface, and a top end and a bottom end. The container also has a second flexible sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a top end and a bottom end. The bottom of the container includes a gusset portion. The gusset portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The interior of the container includes a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber at the bottom of the container. The first storage chamber is defined by a part of the inner surface of the first side wall portion and a part of the inner surface of the gusset portion. The second storage chamber is defined by a part of the inner surface of the second side wall portion and a part of the inner surface of the gusset portion. At least a first mounting structure is disposed in the vicinity of the top opening for mounting the top of the container and maintaining the opening in an open position. At least the first restraining structure is disposed in the vicinity of the bottom to limit the operation of the lower portion of the container when the bottom of the container is mounted and the container is immersed in fluid.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the outer surface of the gusset includes a surface that supports the container when the support section is disposed on the support. The chamber has a bottom end on which at least one holding structure is arranged.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container with a flexible wall part that holds a food contained in the container so that the food is not in direct contact with the fluid. Such containers are automatically sealable when immersed in a fluid bath and seal the food contained therein from the ambient atmosphere.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, a container for storing food in a fluid tank is provided.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing food products in a high temperature fluid bath that is conveniently accessible by a user so that the food products contained in the container can be removed. . The container can be mounted on a rack that can be placed at the work station so that food can be used when preparing food products at the work station.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a food product in a fluid tank, the container after the user finishes taking out a portion of the food product contained in the container. Due to the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid tank acting on the water, it is automatically sealed at least substantially from the ambient atmosphere.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, food products can be stored in a container immersed in a high-temperature fluid tank and can be removed from the high-temperature fluid tank at one position, and a small hot water tank at a second position. An apparatus is provided that can be transferred to

[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main tank of the present invention holding a plurality of racks for use in performing the method of the present invention. [0049] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus of the present invention located at a work station to perform the method of the present invention. [0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rack and a container showing food placed in the container to perform the method of the present invention. [0051] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container for carrying out the method of the present invention. [0052] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing sealing a food product in a container and immersing the rack in a liquid tank to carry out the method of the present invention. [0053] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating sealing a food product in a container in a state where the container and the rack are immersed in a liquid tank and the bottom of the container is fixed to the rack by a clamp. [0054] Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a rack and a container arranged outside the tank. [0055] FIG. 4 is a top view of the rack showing the inside of the container of FIG. 3 in a state where the container is mounted. [0056] Fig. 5 is a top view of a material sheet showing a fold line for folding the sheet into a container in order to carry out the method of the present invention. [0057] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rack and container for performing the method of the present invention. [0058] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. [0059] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the container and rack of FIG. 10 placed in an empty tank. [0060] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the container and rack of FIG. 10 showing the container placed in a tank with a liquid tank and sealed with hydrostatic pressure.

[0061] Referring generally to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 2, a food preparation work station 10 including a food preparation work surface 12 for preparing and grouping meals is illustrated. Next to the work surface 12 is a food holding device 14 for storing food or food products 16 such as those used for preparing meals sold at fast food restaurants, for example. The device 14 includes a rack 18 that holds a flexible walled container or bag 20 on which the food product 16 is placed. The rack 18 and the bag 20 attached to the rack and holding the food 16 are immersed in the fluid tank 22. The hydrostatic force of the tank 22 acting on the side wall of the bag 20 crushes the bag 20, seals it from the surrounding environment, and maintains the sensory characteristics of the food 16 contained therein. In this way, the food product 16 is prevented from undue moisture loss during a holding period that may extend for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 minutes or more. Typically, the fluid in tank 22 is water, but any suitable fluid can be used as desired. The fluid in tank 22 can be heated in any suitable manner. For example, the tank 22 may be provided with a heat exchange device 26 to maintain the food product 16 at a high or low temperature, for example above or below 72 ° F. (22 ° C.). The heat exchange device 26 may be an electric, gas, or other powered heating or cooling device and is located outside or inside the vessel 22 to heat or cool the vessel 22 as desired. Can do. The tank 22 is preferably housed in a tank 24 located in the immediate vicinity of the work surface 12, for example, causing the work surface 12 to be recessed. Thus, the food 16 can be stored at hand for regular and quick withdrawal as needed during meal preparation.

[0062] Any other items 15a-15e necessary to prepare the desired food product, such as certain types of sandwiches, may also be stored at the work station 10. Such other items can typically include other foods such as buns 15a and typical seasonings 15b added to the food being prepared. A piece of paper 15c, a serving spoon 15d, a tongue 15e and other utensils can also be arranged at the work station 12 to increase the efficiency of food preparation. High efficiency in preparing food is especially critical at peak sales such as breakfast, lunch and dinner in restaurants that serve quickly.

[0063] Examples of cooked food products 16 that can be conveniently held using the device 14 are scrambled eggs, sausage patties, chained sausages, grilled chicken breasts, vegetables, and the like. Maintaining tank 22 at a temperature in the range of 150 ° F. (65.6 ° C.) to 180 ° F. (82.2 ° C.) will usually result in a warm food suitable for customer consumption. In general, temperatures higher than 150 ° F. (65.5 ° C.) are desirable to minimize bacterial growth in the tub 22 and in the food product 16 stored in the bag 20. Alternatively, in other applications, the bath 22 can be cooled in any suitable manner, such as with a suitable heat exchanger 26 or with ice contained in the bath 22 to reduce the temperature.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the food holding device 14 can be seen in more detail. The rack 18 has a frame 28 that includes a bottom base 30, a top end 32 and side supports, ie, cylinders 36. The frame 28 can also have a handle 34 for conveniently grasping the rack 18 during transfer and placing and removing the rack 18 in the tank 24. The frame 28 may also have a bottom post 38, a cylindrical post 40, and top posts 42, 44 to provide rigidity to the frame 28. The rack 18 must have a sufficient weight so that the rack 18 cannot float in the tub 22 due to the contents of the bag 20.

The frame 28 can additionally include a top mounting member 48 that is pivotally mounted to the top column 44. The mounting member 48 includes holding bars 50, 52 each having a loop 54 at the end 48 for mounting the mounting member 48 to the top column 44. The loop 54 is sized appropriately to secure the bars 50, 52 to the top column 44 while allowing the bars 50, 52 to pivot about the column 44. A flat tip section 62 can be provided at the opposite end 60 of the bars 50, 52 to facilitate mounting of the bag 20 to the member 48. The flat tip section 62 extends over the top post 42 to limit the downward pivoting motion of the bars 50, 52. The bars 50, 52 can be joined together by a yoke post 64 so that the bars 50, 52 pivot together. Fixed to each bottom strut 38 is a bag bottom retaining bar 66 that may have a retaining ball 68 attached to the free end of each bar 66.

The bag 20 can be formed with a front side wall 72 and a rear side wall 74 that are sealed together along the seam 78 at the side edge 80 of the bag 20. The bag 20 may also include a bottom gusset 82 formed on the bottom 76 of the bag 20. Gusset 82 has gusset tabs 86 and 88 that can expand to form the expanded bottom of bag 20 and thereby increase the capacity of bag 20. As the gusset 82 expands, it can also act to separate the side walls 72, 74, further providing access to the interior 70 of the bottom 76 of the bag 20. The bag 20 can be formed from any suitable material, such as a liquid impermeable flexible plastic material. Therefore, the bag 20 provides the waterproof bag with a hollow interior 70 defined by the inner surfaces 73, 75 of the side walls 72, 74 and the inner surface 77 of the gusset 82, respectively.

The bag 20 can be provided with two sleeves 90 for mounting the top portion 91 of the bag 20 to the frame 28 of the rack 18. The top holding sleeve 90 is formed next to the top edge 92 of the side walls 72, 74, for example, by bending the walls 72, 74 inward or outward, respectively. After bending the top edge 92, each edge 92 can be secured to the inner surface of the individual side wall 72 or 74, for example, by heat sealing. For purposes described in greater detail below, the sleeve 90 may also include a cut-out section, or void 94, in the top corner 95 of the bag 20.

In order to attach the bag 20 to the frame 28, the sleeve 90 is slid onto the bars 50 and 52. During the mounting of the bag 20, the bars 50, 52 can be pivoted upward to allow convenient access to the tip section 62 of the bars 50, 52. The tip section 62 facilitates the insertion of the bars 50, 52 into the sleeve 90 in two ways. First, since the rods 50 and 52 are only reinforced by the columns 64, the rods 50 and 52 are manually pressed or spread with each other as necessary to position the tip section 62 in the opening with the sleeve 90. Can be combined. Secondly, the flat tip section 62 has a flat and reduced cross section so that the bars 50, 52 are easily inserted into the relatively flat opening 96 of the sleeve 90.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the bars 50, 52 are preferably spaced about 2.5 inches apart. This unfolds the sleeve 90 and provides an unobstructed opening 100 at the top 98 of the bag 20 for placing the food product 16 in and out of the bag 20. Therefore, tools such as food tongs 15e and spoons 15d can easily pass between the bars 50, 52 and enter the interior 70 of the bag 20. The cut section 94 extends the bag side edge 80 beyond and below the top struts 42, 44 to form an elongated generally rectangular access opening 100 to the interior 70 of the bag, which 44 is not obstructed.

The bag 20 is also fixed to the bottom portion 99 of the frame 28 in order to prevent the bottom portion 76 of the bag 20 from rising due to buoyancy when placed in the tank 22. In one embodiment, the bottom 76 is provided with bottom restraining sleeves 87 and 89. Sleeves 87 and 89 can be formed between gusset tabs 86 and 88, for example, by heat sealing gusset tab 86 to gusset tab 88 in sections 102 and 104. When attaching the bag 20 to the frame 28, the sleeves 87 and 89 are slid onto one of the holding balls 68 and further onto one of the bottom holding rods 66. A cut section 106 at the bottom corner 108 of the gusset tabs 86, 88 allows the bottom of the side edge 80 to extend on the base post 38 beyond it. As best illustrated in FIG. 8, this prevents the bottom side edges 80 from joining together at the post 38 to prevent access to the bottom 76 of the bag 20.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the food product 16 housed in a flexible bag 20 attached to the rack 18 before the rack 18 is immersed in the fluid tank 22 is illustrated. The side walls 72, 74 are disposed in the top sleeve 90 and are held apart at the bag opening 100 by the spaced apart bars 50, 52. The side walls 72 and 74 hang downward from the bars 50 and 52 at spaced positions. The side walls 72, 74 can also be maintained in a spaced position at the bottom 76 of the bag 20 by widening the tab sections 86, 88 of the gusset 82. With the bag side walls 72, 74 spaced apart by the top 92 and bottom 76, the central section 124 of the bag 20 is also spaced, which is advantageous for quickly filling the food product 16. 70 is provided.

FIG. 5 shows the rack 18 inserted into the tank 24. It can be seen that the tank 22 generates a hydrostatic force that acts on the outer surface 128 of the immersed bag 20. This force crushes the side walls 72, 74 along the sealing section 130 above the food 16. The side wall portions 72 and 74 are crushed with respect to the individual food products 16. This increases heat transfer from the tank 22 to the food product 16 by increasing the surface area of the food product 16 immediately adjacent to the hot water tank 22 and separated by the bag 20 alone. When placed in the tub 22, the bottom sleeves 87, 89 act to restrain the bottom 76 of the bag and limit the rise of the bag 20 due to buoyancy.

[0073] Therefore, while the interior 70 of the bag containing the food 16 is sealed or substantially sealed from the external environment, it is stored while it is stored for periodic removal of the food product 16. Prevent excessive water loss to the external environment. The moisture in the food product 16 is retained. In addition to maintaining sensory properties, keeping food product 16 warm (or as cold as desired) for an extended period of time while stored prior to use in preparing food products with stored food You can also. As desired, the inner surface or both surfaces of the bag 20 may be textured or provided so that the bag 20 is not completely closed and at least a limited space is provided in the area where the bag 20 is sealed to the outside atmosphere. A dent can be provided.

In FIG. 5, it can also be seen that when the bag 20 is in a sealed state, a hook-shaped region 132 appears on the sealed section 130. To take out the food product 16, the meal cooker can put utensils such as tongs 15 e into the basket 132. As the tongue 15e is lowered, the side walls 72, 74 easily separate the sealed section 130 and gain access to the food product 16 for removal. Therefore, the efficiency of cooking food by providing food 16 stored at hand at the work station 10 for regular quick withdrawal and use when gathering meals as needed. Will improve.

[0075] It may also be advantageous to place a second or main water tank 138 (FIG. 1) in the kitchen at a remote location, such as next to a food product cooking area. Second tank 138 is similar to tank 24, but may be wider to receive a plurality of food racks 18. For example, four food racks 18 can be filled with food 16 such as pre-cooked sausage patties and immersed in the main hot water tank 138 to immediately supply food products 16 stored in multiple racks. When supplies of food products 16 are depleted at work station 10, rack 18 can be transferred from main tank 138 to work station 10 or tank 24 at another similar work station in a restaurant.

[0076] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate another embodiment of an apparatus for storing food product 16 that includes a modified frame 150 and bag 152. FIG. The bag 152 is similar to the bag 20, with one difference that the bag 152 provides an alternative means of securing the bottom 154 of the bag 152 to the frame 150. Another difference is that the bottom 154 increases heat transfer between the fluid reservoir 22 and the interior 158 of the bag 152, particularly at the bottom 154 of the bag 152. The bag 152 includes a front side wall portion 160 and a rear side wall portion 162. The front side wall 160 has a top end 164 and a bottom end 168, and an inner surface 170 and an outer surface 172. The rear side wall 162 also has a top end 173 and a bottom end 174, and an inner surface 176 and an outer surface 178. The bag 152 has a gusset 180 having a front gusset tab 182 and a rear gusset tab 184. The bottom end 188 of the front gusset tab 182 is joined to the bottom end 168 of the front side wall 160 and the bottom end 190 of the rear gusset tab 184 is joined to the bottom end 174 of the rear side wall 162. Unlike the gusset 82 of the bag 20, the gusset 180 of the bag 152 and the gusset tabs 182 and 184 are not joined together to form the sleeves 87, 89.

[0077] As will be described below, the bag 152, like the bag 20, can be formed from a single material. The bag 152 can also be formed by joining individual sheets together by any suitable means such as heat sealing. Typically, the bag 152 is heat sealed along the margin 192 to seal and / or strengthen the edge of the bag 152 except for the open end 194 of the bag 152 as shown in FIG.

Similar to the frame 28, the frame 150 has a top portion 32 including a base 30, a cylinder 36, and a mounting member 48. The frame 150 also has a bag support 198 attached to the lateral strut 38. The bag support 198 can include a side 200 and a top 202. The frame 150 also includes a plurality of mounting members or balls 196 attached to the frame base 30.

FIG. 10 best illustrates the bag 152 attached to the frame 150. The sleeve 90 of the bag 152 is disposed on the mounting member 48 for mounting the top portion 204 of the bag 152. A junction 208 between the front gusset tab 182 and the rear gusset tab 184 is disposed on the bag support top 202. Gusset tabs 182 and 184 hang down to be disposed on opposite sides of support top 202. The front and rear gusset tabs 182, 184 include one or more holes 210 next to the bottom ends 188, 190, respectively. The hole 210 cooperates with the ball 196 to suppress the bottom portion 154 of the bag 152 and prevent the bottom portion 154 of the bag 152 from rising due to buoyancy. The holes 210 are preferably arranged in the lower margin 212. This is because the side wall portions 160 and 162 are heat-sealed to the gusset tabs 182 and 184, respectively, so that the lower margin 212 of the bag 152 is in a region with improved strength.

12 and 13 show that heat transfer at the bottom 154 of the bag 152 has increased. Gusset tabs 182 and 184 are spaced along their entire length to increase the surface area in contact with vessel 22. Further, the gusset tabs 182 and 184 form chambers 218 and 220, respectively, so that the food 16 can be brought closer to the tank 22 as compared with the bag 20. The spaced gusset tabs 182, 184 of the bag 152 increase circulation between the gusset tabs 182, 184 and further increase heat transfer to the food product 16.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method is schematically illustrated in which a bag 20 or bag 152 can be formed by folding a piece of material 110. The sheet 110 is bent to form the side walls 72 and 74, the gusset 82 and the sleeve 90 of the bag 20. The inner surface 112 of the sheet 110 is folded inward along line 114 to form a front side wall 72, folded outward along line 116 to form a gusset 82, and folded inward along line 118. Thus, the rear side wall portion 74 is formed. The top sleeve 90 is formed by bending inward along the line 120. Alternatively, sheet 110 is folded outward along lines 120a and 120b to form sleeve 90.

In the same manner, the sheet 152 can be folded to form the bag 152. The inner surface 112 of the sheet 110 is folded inward along line 114 to form a front sidewall 160, folded outward along line 116 to form a gusset 180, and folded inward along line 118. The rear side wall portion 162 is formed. The top sleeve 90 is formed by bending inward or outward along lines 120a and 120b. Further, the margin 192 can be heat sealed to provide a hole 210. The bag 152 can also be provided with a gap or cut section 222 to complete the bag 152.

[0083] In another embodiment of the present invention, the food holding device 14 uses an alternative means of securing the bag 20 to the frame 28 or securing the bag 152 to the frame 150. As shown in FIG. 6, a clamp 134 is used to clamp the bag 20 to the frame 28. One or more clamps 134 can be used on the frame base 30, the side supports 36 and / or the top 32. By using the clamp 134, the bag 20 does not require the lower sleeves 87 and 89. The bag 20 can also be pressed by placing a weight (not shown) at the bottom of the bag 20 or attaching a weight to the bottom of the bag 20. By using the clamp 134 to tighten the top of the bag 20 to the bars 50, 52, the upper sleeve 90 of the bag can also be omitted. Similarly, the bag 134 can be attached to the frame 150 using the clamp 134 instead of the hole 210 and / or the sleeve 90 of the bag 152.

[0084] The device 14 of the present invention need not be limited to the use of storing food products at the work station 12. The device 14 can be placed in any other desired location. For example, the device 14 can be placed on a buffet table and used to maintain the freshness of the food product at the buffet serving table. The apparatus 14 can also be provided with a heating device 26 for a tank 24 arranged on a buffet table to heat or cool the tank 22 and the food product 16.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is capable of numerous modifications, adaptations and rearrangements, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Modifications and reconfigurations shall be included in the claims.

Claims (62)

An apparatus for holding food immersed in a fluid and housed in a container with a flexible wall in a state where the food and the fluid are not in direct contact with each other,
A frame having a bottom and a top;
A container with a flexible wall having a flexible side wall, a closed bottom, and an opening at the top of the container to provide access to the interior of the container, the container being the opening of the container Mounted to the frame in a state of being fixed to the frame adjacent to the frame, the frame maintaining the relationship in which the side wall portion of the container is spaced next to the opening of the container and maintaining the inside of the container The container is also secured to the frame to limit upward movement of the bottom of the container;
While the container is fixed to the frame, the flexible side wall of the container is operable inward such that the flexible sidewalls contact each other at a position between the opening and the bottom of the container; An apparatus thereby sealing the interior of the container between the opening of the container and the bottom of the container and on the food disposed in the container.   The container includes a holding structure adjacent to the bottom of the container, and the frame has at least one surface cooperating with the holding structure to restrain the container and buoyancy of the bottom of the container The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus prevents an ascent due to.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container includes a gusset that forms at least a portion of the bottom of the container. The container includes a first side wall and a second side wall, and the container has a first sleeve disposed next to the opening of the container along the first side wall. The container has a second sleeve disposed along the second side wall next to the opening of the container;
The frame includes a mounting member at the top of the frame, and the mounting member cooperates with the first and second sleeves to secure the container to the frame next to the opening of the container. The apparatus of claim 1.   The mounting member is pivotally mounted to the top of the frame, and the mounting member is between a first position adjacent to the frame and a second position at least partially spaced from the frame. The swivelable movement of the container, whereby the container is mounted to the mounting member to facilitate securing the container to the frame next to the opening of the container. apparatus.   The mounting member includes a first bar and a second bar, the bars each having a first end pivotably mounted on the frame and a second free end; The second end of the bar is spaced apart, the bar is manually flexible, and the spacing between the second free ends of the bar is temporarily adjusted to the bar of the container The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus facilitates the mounting of the apparatus.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid tank, wherein the container and the frame are at least partially immersed in the tank, and a heating device that maintains the fluid tank at a high temperature.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container and the frame further comprise a fluid tank at least partially immersed in the tank, and a cooling device that maintains the fluid tank at a low temperature.   8. The flexible side wall portion is operable inward in response to hydrostatic pressure when in the fluid reservoir and the side wall portions contact each other to seal the interior of the container. The device described in 1.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the container is formed of plastic and liquid impervious material.   The retaining structure is a hole in the lower portion of the container, the frame includes at least one ball attached to the lower portion of the frame, and the hole is attached to the ball to buoyancy of the container; The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus prevents an ascent due to.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes at least one clamp that secures the bag to the frame.   The lower portion of the container includes a gusset having a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab; the lower portion of the frame includes a support; the first gusset tab is disposed on one side of the support; The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second gusset tab is disposed on the other side of the support.   The lower portion of the container has a plurality of holding structures that prevent the lower portion of the container from rising due to buoyancy, and at least one of the holding structures is disposed next to the first gusset tab, and at least one of the holding structures The apparatus of claim 13, wherein one is located next to the second gusset tab.   The gusset has a first tab and a second tab, and the first gusset has a section fixed to the second gusset to form a sleeve, and the lower portion of the frame is connected to the sleeve. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a mounting member that is inserted to restrain the lower portion of the container and prevent the container from rising due to buoyancy.   A fluid tank, wherein at least the lower part of the frame and at least the lower part of the container are disposed in the fluid tank, and a heat exchange device for maintaining the temperature of the fluid tank at a non-ambient temperature The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: An apparatus for holding food that is immersed in a fluid and accommodated in a container with a flexible wall in a state where the food product and the fluid are not in direct contact, and preparing a food serving containing the food,
A work surface to prepare the food serving;
A tank disposed adjacent to the work surface;
A tank of fluid contained in the tank;
A frame that can be placed in the tank;
A container holding the food and fixed to the frame;
A device comprising: The container has a flexible side wall with a side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the container also has a closed bottom and an opening that provides access to its interior, the container being the container The container is mounted on the frame in a state of being fixed to the frame next to the top opening of the container, and the frame is spaced apart from the side wall of the container next to the opening of the container. Providing access to the interior of the container, and the lower portion of the container is also secured to the lower portion of the frame to prevent buoyancy of the bottom of the container,
The inner surface of the side wall of the container is operable inwardly in response to hydrostatic forces from the fluid reservoir acting on the outer surface of the side wall, whereby the inner surface of the side wall is 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising contacting each other at a position between the opening and the bottom of the container to seal the interior of the container.   The container having the food disposed inside the container, and a heat exchange device for maintaining the tank at a non-ambient temperature, wherein the side wall of the container acts on the side wall. Operatable inwardly by the hydrostatic force, thereby sealing the interior of the container and sealing the food product within the interior of the container, the container being in direct contact with the fluid and the food product The side wall portion of the container is separable by a hand force applied to the inner surface of the side wall portion, thereby removing the food product contained in the container for removing the food product. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein access is provided and the food can be used in preparation for food serving on the work surface.   At least a second tank, wherein the second tank includes a second fluid tank, and the frame is attached to the second food tank in a state where at least a part of the frame is immersed in the second tank. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the frame is transferable from the second tank to the first tank for placement in the first tank. A rack having an open end and a bottom, and holding a container with a flexible wall that holds the food immersed in the fluid and contained in the fluid in a state where the food and the fluid are not in direct contact with each other. And
The bottom,
The top,
A top mounting member for mounting the open end of the container in an open position;
At least one lower mounting means for holding the bottom of the container and preventing buoyancy of the bottom of the container;
Rack with.   A gusset support member attached to the bottom portion of the frame and supporting the bottom portion of the container and having a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab, the first gusset tab being on one side of the gusset support member; The rack of claim 21, wherein the second gusset tab is on a second side of the gusset support member.   The rack according to claim 21, further characterized in that said lower mounting means includes means for spacing said first gusset tab from said second gusset tab. A flexible walled container for holding food immersed in a fluid,
A top having an opening to the interior of the container;
A flexible side wall,
A bottom including a gusset portion;
At least a first attachment structure disposed adjacent to the top opening for mounting the top of the container;
A holding structure that is arranged adjacent to the bottom, suppresses the bottom of the container, and prevents a rise due to buoyancy of the lower part of the container;
Container.   25. A container according to claim 24, further comprising a second attachment structure disposed adjacent to the top opening to mount the container and maintain the opening in an open position.   25. The second holding structure disposed adjacent to the lower portion of the container in order to suppress the container and prevent the bottom of the container from rising due to buoyancy. Container as described.   The container according to claim 25, wherein the container includes a plurality of holding structures disposed at the lower part of the container to prevent the container from rising due to buoyancy of the lower part.   26. A container according to claim 25, wherein the retainer structure is a hole in the container.   29. The container of claim 28, wherein the container includes a reinforced section and the hole is disposed in the reinforced section.   The container according to claim 24, wherein the holding structure is a hole arranged in the lower part of the container.   31. A container according to claim 30, wherein the mounting structure is a sleeve.   Further, the side wall portion of the container includes a first side wall portion and an opposing second side wall portion, and the first mounting structure is formed on the first side wall portion next to the opening. 26. The container of claim 25, wherein the container is a sleeve and the second attachment structure is a sleeve formed on the second side wall and next to the opening.   33. A container according to claim 32, wherein the container includes a plurality of retaining structures disposed adjacent to the gusset portion.   25. The container of claim 24, wherein the gusset portion includes a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab.   25. A container according to claim 24, wherein the retaining structure is a first hole formed adjacent to the first gusset tab and a second hole formed adjacent to the second gusset tab.   Further, the side wall portion of the container includes a first side wall portion and an opposing second side wall portion, the first side wall portion has a bottom end portion, and the second side wall portion has a bottom end portion. And a first gusset tab having a bottom end and a top end, and a second gusset tab having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the bottom end of the first gusset tab is the first side wall. Adjacent to the bottom end of the portion, the bottom end of the second gusset tab is disposed adjacent to the bottom end of the second sidewall portion, and the top end of the first gusset tab is 31. A container according to claim 30, characterized in that it is connected to the top end of the second gusset tab.   37. The container of claim 36, wherein the junction of the top ends of the first and second gusset tabs provides a support surface that supports the lower portion of the container.   Further, the side wall includes a first side wall and a second side wall facing the first side wall, the first side wall has a bottom end, and the second side wall has a bottom end, The gusset portion includes a first gusset tab and a second gusset tab; the first gusset tab has a bottom end and a top end; the second gusset tab has a bottom end and a top end; The bottom end of one gusset tab is disposed against the bottom end of the first side wall, and the bottom end of the second gusset tab is adjacent to the bottom end of the second side wall. The top end of the first gusset tab is connected to the top end of the second gusset tab, and the interior of the container has a first chamber and a second chamber within itself. The first chamber is disposed between the first side wall and the first gusset. Second chambers characterized in that it is disposed between the second gusset tabs and the second side wall, the container according to claim 24.   33. A container according to claim 32, wherein the container includes voids disposed in at least two corners of the side wall. A flexible walled container for holding food immersed in a fluid,
A top having an opening to the interior of the container;
A first flexible sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a top end and a bottom end;
A second flexible sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a top end and a bottom end;
A bottom including a gusset portion having an inner surface and an outer surface;
With
The inside includes a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber at the bottom of the container, and the first storage chamber is a part of the inner surface of the first side wall portion and one of the gusset portions. Defined by the inner surface of the portion, the second storage chamber is defined by the inner surface of a portion of the inner surface of the second sidewall portion and a portion of the gusset portion;
At least a first attachment structure disposed adjacent to the top opening for mounting the top of the container to maintain the opening in the open position;
A first holding disposed adjacent to the bottom of the container to limit the operation of the lower part of the container when the bottom of the container is mounted and the container is immersed in fluid Structure and
Container.   41. The container of claim 40, further comprising the outer surface of the gusset including a surface that supports the lower portion of the container when the support section is disposed on the support surface.   Furthermore, the first chamber has a bottom, the second chamber has a bottom, the first holding structure is disposed adjacent to the bottom of the first chamber, and the second chamber 42. Container according to claim 41, characterized in that a holding structure is arranged adjacent to the bottom of the second chamber. A method of storing cooked food in a liquid impermeable flexible walled container having an opening, comprising:
Placing an amount of the cooked food in the liquid impermeable flexible walled container;
Immersing at least a part of the container with the flexible wall in the liquid in a state where the opening is disposed so that the liquid does not enter the opening;
Maintaining at least the lower portion of the container in the liquid;
Maintaining the food in the container below the surface of the liquid;
Allowing the liquid to collapse the container at a position over the quantity of food to seal the portion of the container containing the food.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising maintaining the liquid at an elevated temperature.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising maintaining the liquid at a low temperature.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising preventing the container from rising.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising preventing the container from rising to the surface of the liquid.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising removing the food from the container after storage in the container.   49. The method of claim 48, further comprising manually separating the crushed sidewalls to remove the food.   49. The method of claim 48, further comprising using a tool to separate the crushed side wall, grip the food, and remove the food from the container. Providing a rack,
Securing the container to the rack to prevent the container from floating when the rack is immersed in the fluid;
Immersing at least a portion of the rack in the liquid such that at least a lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid;
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:   Further, maintaining the opening of the container in an open position to provide a ridge to the opening, inserting a tool into the ridge and the interior of the container, separating the collapsed container wall and 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the container is secured to the rack so that food can be removed.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising containing the liquid in a tank. Providing a working surface;
53. The method of claim 52, further comprising disposing the tank next to the work surface. Providing a second tank containing liquid therein in a remote location;
Immersing at least a part of the rack in the second tank so that at least the lower part of the container is immersed in the liquid contained in the second tank;
Removing the rack and the container fixed thereto from the second tank;
Transferring the rack and the container for storing the food product to the first tank;
55. The method of claim 54, further comprising thereafter immersing at least a portion of the rack in the first tank next to the work surface.   49. The method of claim 48, further comprising combining the food removed from the container with a second food after removing the food from the container.   44. The method of claim 43, further characterized in that the container is a flexible walled bag.   Furthermore, the container is a bag with a flexible wall having first and second walls, and when the bag is immersed in the liquid, at least a part of the first side wall is 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the bag is crushed against the second side wall and seals the bag. Providing a rack,
Fixing the bag to the rack in a state where the first side wall portion is spaced from the second side wall portion at the opening, and the bag includes a gusset, and the gusset 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the method is disposed on the bag opposite the open end and joins the first side wall to the second side wall.   Further, the gusset includes a first tab and a second tab, and the first tab and the second tab are attached to the rack in a state where the first tab is spaced from the second tab. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the method is fixed.   45. The method of claim 44, further comprising providing a heating device to maintain the liquid at an elevated temperature.   62. The method of claim 61, further wherein the heating device maintains the temperature of the liquid at a temperature of 150 [deg.] F (65.6 [deg.] C) or higher.