CA2918261A1 - Plate for serving hot meals thereon - Google Patents
Plate for serving hot meals thereon Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2918261A1 CA2918261A1 CA2918261A CA2918261A CA2918261A1 CA 2918261 A1 CA2918261 A1 CA 2918261A1 CA 2918261 A CA2918261 A CA 2918261A CA 2918261 A CA2918261 A CA 2918261A CA 2918261 A1 CA2918261 A1 CA 2918261A1
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- CA
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- Prior art keywords
- plate
- pouch
- plate according
- cavity
- base part
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 title abstract description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 58
- 239000012782 phase change material Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 25
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000002135 phase contrast microscopy Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052573 porcelain Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005644 polyethylene terephthalate glycol copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002302 Nylon 6,6 Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005496 eutectics Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003578 releasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- WPYMKLBDIGXBTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzoic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 WPYMKLBDIGXBTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 4
- UFWIBTONFRDIAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Naphthalene Chemical compound C1=CC=CC2=CC=CC=C21 UFWIBTONFRDIAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000005711 Benzoic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L Magnesium sulfate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] CSNNHWWHGAXBCP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 235000010233 benzoic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 2
- POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N dodecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O POULHZVOKOAJMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229930195729 fatty acid Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000004665 fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- YIXJRHPUWRPCBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium nitrate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O YIXJRHPUWRPCBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- RZJRJXONCZWCBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC RZJRJXONCZWCBN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC(Br)=C1F PAWQVTBBRAZDMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BDKLKNJTMLIAFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,3-oxazole-4-carbaldehyde Chemical compound FC1=CC=CC(C=2OC=C(C=O)N=2)=C1 BDKLKNJTMLIAFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101100283604 Caenorhabditis elegans pigk-1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000005639 Lauric acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002651 NO3 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910004809 Na2 SO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 description 1
- XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Urea Chemical compound NC(N)=O XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940103272 aluminum potassium sulfate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- MEVHTHLQPUQANE-UHFFFAOYSA-N aziridine-2,3-dione Chemical compound O=C1NC1=O MEVHTHLQPUQANE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XPLQYSHGJYYFFU-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzoic acid;strontium Chemical compound [Sr].OC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 XPLQYSHGJYYFFU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004202 carbamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000010006 flight Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005338 heat storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004679 hydroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002608 ionic liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052943 magnesium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019341 magnesium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940038384 octadecane Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- GRLPQNLYRHEGIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-J potassium aluminium sulfate Chemical compound [Al+3].[K+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O.[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O GRLPQNLYRHEGIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000741 silica gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002027 silica gel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000017281 sodium acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940087562 sodium acetate trihydrate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940074155 strontium bromide Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910001625 strontium bromide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000005846 sugar alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
- A47G19/027—Plates, dishes or the like with means for keeping food cool or hot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/06—Serving trays
- A47G23/0683—Serving trays with means for keeping food cool or hot
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/14—Thermal energy storage
Abstract
The present invention concerns a plate (1) suited for directly dressing and serving meals directly thereon, which plate (1) comprises a heat storing material (14) allowing keeping the meal dressed thereon warm for an extended period of time in view of regular plates without heat storing material.
Description
PLATE FOR SERVING HOT MEALS THEREON
Field of the Invention The present invention concerns a plate suited for directly dressing and serving meals directly thereon, which plate comprises a heat storing material allowing keeping the meal dressed thereon warm for an extended period of time in view of regular plates without heat storing material.
Background to the Invention When serving hot meals in restaurants, on events, during plane flights and in other situations where the place of dressing a plate is distant from a place of serving the meal it is a challenge to keep the food warm.
WO 90/14783, US 5,125,391, US 4,304,106 for example disclose trays for storing and transporting plates therein. These trays all include a heat storing material such as a phase change material that can store heat rapidly and release the heat more slowly over an elapsed period of time.
A drawback of such trays is that these are not suited for serving food directly thereon but are intended for storing one or more plates with food thereon to enable serving food on these plates at a desired temperature during a relative long period of time.
Moreover the use of such trays is generally considered non-appealing for serving food.
Another drawback is that with trays as described in at least US'391 and US'106 the heat storing material is provided in a cavity defined by a top and bottom shell of the tray, whereby in case of damaging one of these shells the heat storing material may leak out of the cavity, especially when at a elevated temperature (generally about 60 C) when the heat storing material is in a fluid state. As such temperature is common in for
Field of the Invention The present invention concerns a plate suited for directly dressing and serving meals directly thereon, which plate comprises a heat storing material allowing keeping the meal dressed thereon warm for an extended period of time in view of regular plates without heat storing material.
Background to the Invention When serving hot meals in restaurants, on events, during plane flights and in other situations where the place of dressing a plate is distant from a place of serving the meal it is a challenge to keep the food warm.
WO 90/14783, US 5,125,391, US 4,304,106 for example disclose trays for storing and transporting plates therein. These trays all include a heat storing material such as a phase change material that can store heat rapidly and release the heat more slowly over an elapsed period of time.
A drawback of such trays is that these are not suited for serving food directly thereon but are intended for storing one or more plates with food thereon to enable serving food on these plates at a desired temperature during a relative long period of time.
Moreover the use of such trays is generally considered non-appealing for serving food.
Another drawback is that with trays as described in at least US'391 and US'106 the heat storing material is provided in a cavity defined by a top and bottom shell of the tray, whereby in case of damaging one of these shells the heat storing material may leak out of the cavity, especially when at a elevated temperature (generally about 60 C) when the heat storing material is in a fluid state. As such temperature is common in for
2 example a dishwasher, dish washing a damaged tray according to US'391 or US'106 can seriously damage a dishwasher due to leakage of the heat storing material (which when temperature drops again can solidify in the tubings).
Yet another disadvantage is that the heat storing material is not restricted in its flow in the cavity when in a liquid state. As a consequence, when slightly tilting a tray the liquid will flow to one side and promote further tilting and hence instability when carrying a pile of trays.
WO 03/079869 discloses a plate for direct contact with food served thereon, comprising a slot in its lower surface for accommodating a cartridge of heat storing material therein.
A drawback of such plate is that the plate and cartridge are two separate items that need to be assembled and disassembled for each use cycle, which is cumbersome and very impractical in restaurants or on large events where dishwashing the plates and re-use of the plates needs to be fast and effective.
Moreover in a plate according to WO'869 the heat storing material is visible at the bottom of the plate and is considered potentially unappealing for people being served.
It is clear from the above that there remains a need for an appealing, easy to use and handle, safe to use and efficient plate for serving food thereon and for remaining this food warm during an extended period of time in view of food served on normal plates without specific heat storing material.
Summary of the Invention The present invention addresses the above identified need by providing a plate for direct contact with food served thereon, said plate comprising: (a) an upper part
Yet another disadvantage is that the heat storing material is not restricted in its flow in the cavity when in a liquid state. As a consequence, when slightly tilting a tray the liquid will flow to one side and promote further tilting and hence instability when carrying a pile of trays.
WO 03/079869 discloses a plate for direct contact with food served thereon, comprising a slot in its lower surface for accommodating a cartridge of heat storing material therein.
A drawback of such plate is that the plate and cartridge are two separate items that need to be assembled and disassembled for each use cycle, which is cumbersome and very impractical in restaurants or on large events where dishwashing the plates and re-use of the plates needs to be fast and effective.
Moreover in a plate according to WO'869 the heat storing material is visible at the bottom of the plate and is considered potentially unappealing for people being served.
It is clear from the above that there remains a need for an appealing, easy to use and handle, safe to use and efficient plate for serving food thereon and for remaining this food warm during an extended period of time in view of food served on normal plates without specific heat storing material.
Summary of the Invention The present invention addresses the above identified need by providing a plate for direct contact with food served thereon, said plate comprising: (a) an upper part
3 defining a well of the plate for receiving food and an outer rim extending along at least part of the periphery of the well; (b) a base part fixed to the upper part thereby defining a sealed cavity between the upper and base parts (c) an amount of latent heat storing material disposed in said sealed cavity wherein said heat storing material is provided in a sealed flexible pouch.
Preferably, the heat storing material fills the pouch substantially entirely.
It is preferred that the cavity is situated under at least part of the surface of the well of the plate and under at least part of the outer rim of the plate and that the volume of the cavity V(c) is larger than the volume occupied by the pouch thereby defining a free volume in the cavity, the free volume being situated under the outer rim of the plate.
The volume of the cavity V(c) and the volume of the heat storing material in its expanded phase V(e) are preferably chosen such that the ratio V(e)/V(c) is comprised between 0,6 and 0,9.
The heat storing material preferably is a phase change material (PCM) chosen from the group comprising: hydrated salts, organic compounds, solid to solid PCMs, eutectic solutions and/or admixtures thereof.
The pouch is preferably manufactured in a material comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G), polyamide and/or combinations thereof, whereby polyamide 66 is highly preferred. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising at least one layer of polypropylene and at least one layer of polyamide or polyester. In a specific embodiment of the pouch according to the previous embodiment, said polypropylene layer is positioned internally with respect to the layer comprising polyamide or polyester
Preferably, the heat storing material fills the pouch substantially entirely.
It is preferred that the cavity is situated under at least part of the surface of the well of the plate and under at least part of the outer rim of the plate and that the volume of the cavity V(c) is larger than the volume occupied by the pouch thereby defining a free volume in the cavity, the free volume being situated under the outer rim of the plate.
The volume of the cavity V(c) and the volume of the heat storing material in its expanded phase V(e) are preferably chosen such that the ratio V(e)/V(c) is comprised between 0,6 and 0,9.
The heat storing material preferably is a phase change material (PCM) chosen from the group comprising: hydrated salts, organic compounds, solid to solid PCMs, eutectic solutions and/or admixtures thereof.
The pouch is preferably manufactured in a material comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G), polyamide and/or combinations thereof, whereby polyamide 66 is highly preferred. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising at least one layer of polypropylene and at least one layer of polyamide or polyester. In a specific embodiment of the pouch according to the previous embodiment, said polypropylene layer is positioned internally with respect to the layer comprising polyamide or polyester
4 or a combination thereof, or is covered by the layer comprising polyamide or polyester or a combination thereof. In a further specific embodiment, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyamide layer. In an alternative embodiment, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyester layer, wherein said polyester is preferably selected from a group comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G).
The plate or at least the upper and or lower part thereof is preferably manufactured in a material selected from the group comprising: ceramic material such as glazed ceramics or porcelain.
According to a preferred embodiment a heat reflective layer is provided between the base part facing the cavity and the pouch.
Further a partitioning wall may be provided in said cavity and defining a compartment wherein the pouch is confined and another compartment substantially corresponding to the free volume.
The plate according to the present invention preferably has a total weight of 1 kg or less, preferably 0,8 kg or less.
The present invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a plate as identified above, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an upper part and a base part;
b) providing a pouch filled with a heat storing material with desired heat absorbing and releasing properties; c) accommodating the pouch on the intended top surface of the base part or the intended lower surface of the upper part and subsequently fixing the upper part and base part to enclose the pouch in a cavity defined both the upper and base part of the plate.
The plate or at least the upper and or lower part thereof is preferably manufactured in a material selected from the group comprising: ceramic material such as glazed ceramics or porcelain.
According to a preferred embodiment a heat reflective layer is provided between the base part facing the cavity and the pouch.
Further a partitioning wall may be provided in said cavity and defining a compartment wherein the pouch is confined and another compartment substantially corresponding to the free volume.
The plate according to the present invention preferably has a total weight of 1 kg or less, preferably 0,8 kg or less.
The present invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a plate as identified above, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an upper part and a base part;
b) providing a pouch filled with a heat storing material with desired heat absorbing and releasing properties; c) accommodating the pouch on the intended top surface of the base part or the intended lower surface of the upper part and subsequently fixing the upper part and base part to enclose the pouch in a cavity defined both the upper and base part of the plate.
5 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 schematically represents a perspective cut-out view of a plate according to the present invention;
Figure 2 represents a cross-section according to line II-II in figure 1;
Figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment of a plate as depicted in figure 1.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 represents a plate 1 according to the present invention comprising an upper part 2 and a base part 3 with a sealed cavity 4 defined in between both part 2 and 3. In this case the upper part 2 comprises a generally planar disc-shaped well 5 and a slanting outer rim 6 extending along the periphery of the well. The outer rim 6 comprises a flange 7 that extends from the outer periphery of the rim towards the base part, thereby defining a void 8 between the outer rim and said flange. At the free end of said flange a rim 9 is provided extending transversally in view of the well and away from said well. In the circular circumference a circular slot 10 is provided.
The base part comprises a rim 11 along its periphery extending into the cavity 4 and defining a circular shoulder portion 12 able to cooperate with the slot circular slot 10 of the upper part for (hermetically) sealing and fixing the base part to the upper part.
The base part 3 and upper part 3 can be fixed by welding (friction welding;
laser welding; ultrasonic welding) or by gluing, depending on the material wherein both parts are manufactured.
The upper part and base part can be manufactured from the same material or from different materials chosen from the group comprising: porcelain, plastic, metal or
Figure 2 represents a cross-section according to line II-II in figure 1;
Figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment of a plate as depicted in figure 1.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 represents a plate 1 according to the present invention comprising an upper part 2 and a base part 3 with a sealed cavity 4 defined in between both part 2 and 3. In this case the upper part 2 comprises a generally planar disc-shaped well 5 and a slanting outer rim 6 extending along the periphery of the well. The outer rim 6 comprises a flange 7 that extends from the outer periphery of the rim towards the base part, thereby defining a void 8 between the outer rim and said flange. At the free end of said flange a rim 9 is provided extending transversally in view of the well and away from said well. In the circular circumference a circular slot 10 is provided.
The base part comprises a rim 11 along its periphery extending into the cavity 4 and defining a circular shoulder portion 12 able to cooperate with the slot circular slot 10 of the upper part for (hermetically) sealing and fixing the base part to the upper part.
The base part 3 and upper part 3 can be fixed by welding (friction welding;
laser welding; ultrasonic welding) or by gluing, depending on the material wherein both parts are manufactured.
The upper part and base part can be manufactured from the same material or from different materials chosen from the group comprising: porcelain, plastic, metal or
6 admixtures thereof. Preferably both parts 2 and 3 are manufactured in glazed ceramics such as porcelain, in which case it is preferred to apply glue for fixing the upper part and base part together.
According to the invention a pouch 13 filled, preferably entirely filled without air entrapment, with a heat storing material, most preferably a so-called phase change material 14, is accommodated in said cavity 4.
The pouch 13 is preferably manufactured in a flexible and elastic polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyamide or polyethylene, whereby polyamide 66 is preferred for the reason that it allows good spreading of the PCM material without the sidewalls of the pouch to adhere to one another. The material wherein the pouch is manufactured preferably has a high tear resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the material of which the pouch is manufactured is a sandwich material comprising at least one layer of polypropylene and at least one layer of polyamide or polyester.
In a particular embodiment, said sandwich material comprises polypropylene layer that is positioned internally with respect to the layer comprising polyamide or polyester or a combination thereof, or is covered by the layer comprising polyamide or polyester or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyamide layer or of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyester layer, wherein said polyester is preferably selected from a group comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G).
The PCM material as per the present invention is defined as a material capable of absorbing, storing, and releasing an amount of energy for a long period of time. The latent heat or cold storage process can be achieved through a phase change, like for example from solid to solid, solid to liquid, solid to gas and liquid to gas, once the material has been subjected to a certain temperature called melting temperature.
According to the invention a pouch 13 filled, preferably entirely filled without air entrapment, with a heat storing material, most preferably a so-called phase change material 14, is accommodated in said cavity 4.
The pouch 13 is preferably manufactured in a flexible and elastic polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyamide or polyethylene, whereby polyamide 66 is preferred for the reason that it allows good spreading of the PCM material without the sidewalls of the pouch to adhere to one another. The material wherein the pouch is manufactured preferably has a high tear resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the material of which the pouch is manufactured is a sandwich material comprising at least one layer of polypropylene and at least one layer of polyamide or polyester.
In a particular embodiment, said sandwich material comprises polypropylene layer that is positioned internally with respect to the layer comprising polyamide or polyester or a combination thereof, or is covered by the layer comprising polyamide or polyester or a combination thereof. In further embodiments, the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyamide layer or of a sandwich material comprising polypropylene layer covered by a polyester layer, wherein said polyester is preferably selected from a group comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G).
The PCM material as per the present invention is defined as a material capable of absorbing, storing, and releasing an amount of energy for a long period of time. The latent heat or cold storage process can be achieved through a phase change, like for example from solid to solid, solid to liquid, solid to gas and liquid to gas, once the material has been subjected to a certain temperature called melting temperature.
7 Moreover, this process can be repeatedly achieved by reaching the melting temperature of the phase change material. The PCM material 14 may include for example:
hydrated salts such as Na2 SO4, 10H2 0; Na2 HPO4, 12H2 0; CaC12, 6H2 0; [Na2 CO3 ]2, 10H2 0;
Mg[NO3 ]2, 6H2 0; MgC12, 6H2 0; MgSO4, 12 H2 0; sodium acetate trihydrate, glycols such as polyethylene glycol, clathrates, hydroxides, Hydrophobic RT40 Powder, paraffin like octadecane, n-Paraffins, sugar alcohols or fatty acids; paraffin mixed with hydrophobic silica, non-paraffin organic compounds, such as lauric acid, napthalene, magnesium nitrate; acetimide; benzoic acid; strontium bromide; naphthalene; a mixture of urea and benzoic acid, a mixture of benzomide and benzoic acid, aluminum potassium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, fatty acids, esters, silica gel or dry powder, eutectic solutions, ionic liquids or a combination thereof. For assuring different storage and release of heat or cold properties that would be suitable for different types of applications, commercially available PCMs cover a phase change temperature range from ¨ 40 C to +120 C, whereby for the present invention PCMs having a phase change temperature between 50 C and 65 C are preferred.
An example of such PCM material is the n-paraffin based Rubitherm RT 58 commercialised by RubiTherm . This PCM material has a phase change temperature (melting temperature) ranging between 55-59 C (typically 58 C); a heat storage capacity of 178 kJ/kg; a density (solid at 15 C) of 0,88 kg/1; a liquid density (80 C) of 0,77 kg/1; a volume expansion during phase change of 14 %; a heat conductivity of 0,2 W/m*K
and a kinetic viscosity (at 90 C) of 32,49 mm2/s.
The pouch, with the PCM in an expanded state occupies a volume V(e) that is lower than the total volume V(c) of the cavity (including the void 8), whereby the ratio V(e)/ V(c) is preferably comprised in the range between 0,6-0,9.
As represented in figure 2, the rim 11 provided on the base part 3 preferably defines a
hydrated salts such as Na2 SO4, 10H2 0; Na2 HPO4, 12H2 0; CaC12, 6H2 0; [Na2 CO3 ]2, 10H2 0;
Mg[NO3 ]2, 6H2 0; MgC12, 6H2 0; MgSO4, 12 H2 0; sodium acetate trihydrate, glycols such as polyethylene glycol, clathrates, hydroxides, Hydrophobic RT40 Powder, paraffin like octadecane, n-Paraffins, sugar alcohols or fatty acids; paraffin mixed with hydrophobic silica, non-paraffin organic compounds, such as lauric acid, napthalene, magnesium nitrate; acetimide; benzoic acid; strontium bromide; naphthalene; a mixture of urea and benzoic acid, a mixture of benzomide and benzoic acid, aluminum potassium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, fatty acids, esters, silica gel or dry powder, eutectic solutions, ionic liquids or a combination thereof. For assuring different storage and release of heat or cold properties that would be suitable for different types of applications, commercially available PCMs cover a phase change temperature range from ¨ 40 C to +120 C, whereby for the present invention PCMs having a phase change temperature between 50 C and 65 C are preferred.
An example of such PCM material is the n-paraffin based Rubitherm RT 58 commercialised by RubiTherm . This PCM material has a phase change temperature (melting temperature) ranging between 55-59 C (typically 58 C); a heat storage capacity of 178 kJ/kg; a density (solid at 15 C) of 0,88 kg/1; a liquid density (80 C) of 0,77 kg/1; a volume expansion during phase change of 14 %; a heat conductivity of 0,2 W/m*K
and a kinetic viscosity (at 90 C) of 32,49 mm2/s.
The pouch, with the PCM in an expanded state occupies a volume V(e) that is lower than the total volume V(c) of the cavity (including the void 8), whereby the ratio V(e)/ V(c) is preferably comprised in the range between 0,6-0,9.
As represented in figure 2, the rim 11 provided on the base part 3 preferably defines a
8 partitioning wall in the cavity, thereby creating a central compartment (below the well 5 of the plate) wherein the pouch is accommodated and a free volume below the outer rim of the plate (substantially corresponding to the void 8).
According to a preferred embodiment, a heat reflective layer 15 or heat insulating layer is provided between the pouch and the base part 3 of the plate 1.
Figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment wherein the cavity is further partitioned in three or more, in this case four, compartments. One compartment under the outer rim of the plate free of PCM material and three compartments under the well each accommodating a pouch with PCM material, whereby one pouch 13a is filled with a PCM material having a phase change temperature T; the second pouch 13b is filled with a PCM having a phase change temperature T2 and the third pouch 13c is filled with a PCM having a phase change temperature T3. In this case Ti, T2 and T3 are preferably different and wherein these temperatures can range between 0 C and 120 C, such as to create different zones on the plate that are maintained at different temperatures during a certain period of time sufficient for dressing and serving food on said plate.
In this case the plate preferably comprises an indicator 16, accommodated in for example the outer rim 6 of the plate 1 and connected to temperature sensors 17 designated to each of the PCM comprising compartments of the plate in order to provide a visual or other indication of the temperature in the compartments corresponding to specific sections of the well of the plate.
Furthermore the plate may comprise a number of separating walls 18 on the food receiving surface of the well 5, which walls 18 are arranged corresponding to the specific geometry of the PCM pouches for different temperature zones on the plate.
Manufacturing a plate 1 according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a) providing the upper part and the base part; b) providing a pouch filled with a PCM
According to a preferred embodiment, a heat reflective layer 15 or heat insulating layer is provided between the pouch and the base part 3 of the plate 1.
Figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment wherein the cavity is further partitioned in three or more, in this case four, compartments. One compartment under the outer rim of the plate free of PCM material and three compartments under the well each accommodating a pouch with PCM material, whereby one pouch 13a is filled with a PCM material having a phase change temperature T; the second pouch 13b is filled with a PCM having a phase change temperature T2 and the third pouch 13c is filled with a PCM having a phase change temperature T3. In this case Ti, T2 and T3 are preferably different and wherein these temperatures can range between 0 C and 120 C, such as to create different zones on the plate that are maintained at different temperatures during a certain period of time sufficient for dressing and serving food on said plate.
In this case the plate preferably comprises an indicator 16, accommodated in for example the outer rim 6 of the plate 1 and connected to temperature sensors 17 designated to each of the PCM comprising compartments of the plate in order to provide a visual or other indication of the temperature in the compartments corresponding to specific sections of the well of the plate.
Furthermore the plate may comprise a number of separating walls 18 on the food receiving surface of the well 5, which walls 18 are arranged corresponding to the specific geometry of the PCM pouches for different temperature zones on the plate.
Manufacturing a plate 1 according to the present invention comprises the steps of: a) providing the upper part and the base part; b) providing a pouch filled with a PCM
9 material with a desired phase change temperature; c) accommodating the pouch on the intended top surface of the base part or the intended lower surface of the upper part and subsequently fixing the upper and base parts to enclose the pouch in the cavity defined both the upper and base part of the plate.
In use, the plate and specifically the PCM material accommodated therein is heated to a desired temperature at or above its phase change temperature and subsequently food can be dressed directly on the upper part 2 of the plate 1, preferably in the well 5.
As the PCM material will release the heat stored therein over an extended period of time (generally up to 30 and even 60 minutes) the food dressed and served on the plate will remain warm during that extended period of time.
When serving the plate, a waiter can easily hold the plate at its outer rim as in this part no PCM material is present and as this part is filled with a layer of air that acts as an insulator. In alternative embodiments the free space in the cavity situated under the outer rim of the plate can be filled or partially filled with other insulating materials such as a heat insulating foam.
By providing the PCM material directly under the surface of the plate contacting the food dressed and served thereon the total amount of PCM material can be limited to for example between 60-390cm3, preferably between 60-260cm3, more preferably between 60-130cm3 and most preferably between 90-130cm3, thereby enabling limiting the total weight of the plate (upper part + lower part + pouch + PCM
material) to below 2 kg, preferably below 1 kg even when both the upper plate and base plate are manufactured in porcelain.
In use, the plate and specifically the PCM material accommodated therein is heated to a desired temperature at or above its phase change temperature and subsequently food can be dressed directly on the upper part 2 of the plate 1, preferably in the well 5.
As the PCM material will release the heat stored therein over an extended period of time (generally up to 30 and even 60 minutes) the food dressed and served on the plate will remain warm during that extended period of time.
When serving the plate, a waiter can easily hold the plate at its outer rim as in this part no PCM material is present and as this part is filled with a layer of air that acts as an insulator. In alternative embodiments the free space in the cavity situated under the outer rim of the plate can be filled or partially filled with other insulating materials such as a heat insulating foam.
By providing the PCM material directly under the surface of the plate contacting the food dressed and served thereon the total amount of PCM material can be limited to for example between 60-390cm3, preferably between 60-260cm3, more preferably between 60-130cm3 and most preferably between 90-130cm3, thereby enabling limiting the total weight of the plate (upper part + lower part + pouch + PCM
material) to below 2 kg, preferably below 1 kg even when both the upper plate and base plate are manufactured in porcelain.
Claims (14)
1. A plate for direct contact with food served thereon, said plate comprising: (a) an upper part defining a well of the plate for receiving food and an outer rim extending along at least part of the periphery of the well; (b) a base part fixed to the upper part thereby defining a sealed cavity between the upper and base parts (c) an amount of latent heat storing material disposed in said sealed cavity characterized in that said heat storing material is provided in a sealed flexible pouch.
2. The plate according to claim 1, wherein said cavity is situated under at least part of the surface of the well of the plate and under at least part of the outer rim of the plate.
3. The plate according to claim 2, wherein the volume of the cavity V(c) is larger than the volume occupied by the pouch thereby defining a free volume in the cavity, the free volume being situated under the outer rim of the plate.
4. The plate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said heat storing material is a phase change material having an expanded state wherein the amount of PCM occupies a volume V(e) and a non-expanded state wherein the amount of PCM occupies a volume V(ne).
5. The plate according to claim 4, wherein the ration V(e) / V(c) is comprised between 0,6 and 0,9.
6. The plate according to any of the claims 4-5, wherein the PCM material is selected from the group comprising: hydrated salts, organic compounds, solid to solid PCMs, eutectic solutions and/or admixtures thereof.
7. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the upper part and or base part are made of a ceramic material such as glazed ceramics or porcelain.
8. The plate according to claim 7, having a total weight of 1 kg or less, preferably 0,8 kg or less.
9. The plate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is manufactured from a composition comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET-G), polyamide and/or combinations thereof.
10. The plate according to claim 9, wherein the pouch is manufactured from a composition comprising polyamide 66.
11. The plate according to claim 9, wherein the pouch is manufactured of a sandwich material comprising at least one layer of polypropylene and at least one layer of polyamide or polyester.
12. The plate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a heat reflective layer is provided between the base part facing the cavity and the pouch.
13. The plate according to any of the preceding claims comprising a partitioning wall provided in said cavity and defining a compartment wherein the pouch is confined and another compartment substantially corresponding to the free volume.
14. A method of manufacturing a plate as identified in any of claims 1-12, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an upper part and a base part; b) providing a pouch filled with a heat storing material with desired heat absorbing and releasing properties; c) accommodating the pouch on the intended top surface of the base part or the intended lower surface of the upper part and subsequently fixing the upper part and base part to enclose the pouch in a cavity defined both the upper and base part of the plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP13177666.8 | 2013-07-23 | ||
EP13177666.8A EP2829202A1 (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2013-07-23 | Plate for serving hot meals thereon |
PCT/EP2014/065831 WO2015011195A1 (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2014-07-23 | Plate for serving hot meals thereon |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2918261A1 true CA2918261A1 (en) | 2015-01-29 |
CA2918261C CA2918261C (en) | 2021-06-22 |
Family
ID=48914052
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2918261A Expired - Fee Related CA2918261C (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2014-07-23 | Plate for serving hot meals thereon |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160150896A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2829202A1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2016530915A (en) |
CN (1) | CN105473030A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014295048B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2918261C (en) |
DK (1) | DK3024361T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2890103T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3024361T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015011195A1 (en) |
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CN105996645A (en) * | 2016-05-18 | 2016-10-12 | 上海理工大学 | Waste heat utilization heat-accumulating type dinner plate |
BE1023979B9 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2017-10-18 | Probalco Bvba | A DISH FOR SERVING FOOD AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING IT |
BE1024319B1 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2018-01-30 | Probalco Bvba | Double-walled crockery with a pouch filled with phase-transition material |
BE1024318B1 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2018-01-30 | Probalco Bvba | Pouch filled with phase transition material and method for manufacturing it |
CH713454A2 (en) * | 2017-02-13 | 2018-08-15 | Scaloric Gmbh | Double walled dining plate with PCM. |
BE1026686B1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-05-07 | Promeco Nv | Method for producing crockery filled with phase transition material |
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-
2013
- 2013-07-23 EP EP13177666.8A patent/EP2829202A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2014
- 2014-07-23 PL PL14741918T patent/PL3024361T3/en unknown
- 2014-07-23 EP EP14741918.8A patent/EP3024361B8/en active Active
- 2014-07-23 US US14/905,987 patent/US20160150896A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-07-23 WO PCT/EP2014/065831 patent/WO2015011195A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-07-23 JP JP2016528523A patent/JP2016530915A/en active Pending
- 2014-07-23 ES ES14741918T patent/ES2890103T3/en active Active
- 2014-07-23 AU AU2014295048A patent/AU2014295048B2/en active Active
- 2014-07-23 DK DK14741918.8T patent/DK3024361T3/en active
- 2014-07-23 CA CA2918261A patent/CA2918261C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2014-07-23 CN CN201480046923.9A patent/CN105473030A/en active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-04-03 JP JP2019001198U patent/JP3223183U/en active Active
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JP3223183U (en) | 2019-09-26 |
AU2014295048B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 |
JP2016530915A (en) | 2016-10-06 |
EP3024361B8 (en) | 2021-11-03 |
CA2918261C (en) | 2021-06-22 |
EP3024361B1 (en) | 2021-06-30 |
ES2890103T3 (en) | 2022-01-17 |
EP2829202A1 (en) | 2015-01-28 |
EP3024361A1 (en) | 2016-06-01 |
AU2014295048A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 |
DK3024361T3 (en) | 2021-09-27 |
US20160150896A1 (en) | 2016-06-02 |
CN105473030A (en) | 2016-04-06 |
WO2015011195A1 (en) | 2015-01-29 |
PL3024361T3 (en) | 2022-03-14 |
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