Microwavable Metallic Container
The present invention relates to a method for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a partially metal microwavable bowl, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.
1 . A method for processing and storing a foodstuff in a stackable, substantially metal microwavable container, comprising:
providing an edible foodstuff;
providing a container comprised of a bottom portion interconnected to metal sidewalls, said bottom portion further comprising a microwave transparent material;
filling said substantially metal container with a predetermined portion of the edible foodstuff;
interconnecting an end closure to an upper end of said metal sidewalls, wherein said substantially metal microwavable container is substantially sealed in an anaerobic condition;
providing energy to said substantially metal microwavable container and the edible foodstuff to elevate the temperature of said edible foodstuff to a predetermined level; and
stacking a plurality of said substantially metal containers to a predetermined height of at least about 4 feet to optimize space prior to delivery of said stackable, substantially metal microwavable container to a distribution center.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning a non-metallic microwave transparent lid over the upper end of said end closure which is adapted for use on said substantially metal microwavable container after removal of said end closure.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein said microwave transparent lid further comprises at least one aperture to facilitate the release of steam from said substantially metal container during the subsequent heating of the edible foodstuff in a microwave oven.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said end closure is double seamed to an upper end of said metal sidewalls.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said microwave transparent bottom portion is comprised of at least one of a polypropylene, a polyethylene, and a multi-layered polypropylene/EVOH material.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said bottom portion comprises a metallic ring interconnected on a first end to a lower end of said metallic sidewalls and a second end interconnected to said microwave transparent material.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said microwave transparent material is interconnected to said second end of said metal ring by at least one of an adhesive material, a welding process, a seaming process, and combinations therein.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said metal sidewalls of said microwavable container have a compressive strength of at least about 100 psi.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said microwave transparent material has a surface area of at least about 2 square inches.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said end closure and said substantially metal microwavable container further comprises a tamper resistant indicator which identifies whether the internal pressure in said substantially metal microwavable container has changed.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said metal sidewalls are comprised of at least one of a steel material, an aluminum material and a tin material.
12 . The method of claim 6 , wherein said metal sidewalls are comprised of a flat sheet material interconnected along two edges to create a cylinder.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said metal sidewalls have a height of at least about two inches.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said metal sidewalls have an exterior surface which is at least partially covered by a thermal insulation material.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said thermal insulation material is comprised of at least one of a paper, a cardboard, a foam and a plastic material and combinations therein.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said end closure further comprises a pull tab interconnected thereto, wherein upon applying a predetermined force to said pull tab, said end closure becomes detached from said metal sidewalls.
17 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said microwave transparent material comprises at least 70 percent of the surface area of said bottom portion.
18 . The method of claim 1 , wherein providing energy to said substantially metal microwavable container and the edible foodstuff comprises placing said substantially metal microwavable container and the foodstuff in a steam bath at a temperature of at least about 140° F.
19 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said end closure and said substantially metal microwavable container further comprises a tamper resistant indicator, wherein a change of shape in said tamper resistant indicator identifies that the foodstuff in the container has been contaminated.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein said tamper resistant indicator is a deflectable tab having a substantially concave cross-sectional geometric profile.