Abstract:
A device for covering food ( 306 ) during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet ( 100 ) having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface ( 102 ) that is free of openings. The sheet ( 100 ) has a configuration including size, shape, and weight distribution for flexibly draping the sheet ( 100 ) over the food ( 306 ) on a rigid structure ( 304 ) such that the flexibly draped sheet ( 100 ) overhangs and folds loosely over an outer perimeter of the rigid structure thereby forming at least a partial enclosure around the food ( 306 ) when the sheet contacts at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure ( 304 ). During microwave heating, the at least a partial enclosure around the food ( 306 ) substantially contains food-splattering ( 308 ) inside while allowing steam ( 312 ) to escape through an opening ( 310 ) formed between the flexibly draped sheet ( 100 ) and the outer perimeter of the rigid structure ( 304 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is based upon and claims priority from prior Provisional Patent Application No. 60/532,208, filed on Dec. 22, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to the field of dish and food covers, and more particularly relates to a device for covering dishes and food during microwave cooking. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   When food is heated in a microwave, water molecules within the food become excited resulting in a build up of pressure. This pressure escapes from the food in the form of steam. Frequently, the release of steam is sudden, like an eruption, which causes food to splatter. Therefore, whenever food is heated in a microwave, it should be covered with a microwave transparent material to prevent splattering food particles from soiling the interior of the microwave. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,773 to Hanlon discloses a protective cover for a dish being heated in a microwave oven. The cover is formed of moisture-absorbent, microwave transparent material forming a top member and an encircling wall member depending downwardly form the periphery of the top member to completely cover the dish to protect the interior of the oven from any possible spattering of food particles during the heating. The cover is formed of absorbent material so that any escaping fluids and food particles may be captured or absorbed by the cover. The wall member is fluted to give the cover self-supporting rigidity, and an upper edge of each fluted portion coincides with a scalloped portion of the top member. The cover may be treated with a microwave safe resin to increase the rigidity of the cover. 
   U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030205575 discloses a device for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking which includes a sheet of material capable of maintaining a crease, and which has at least one crease that extends across the sheet. The device is positioned over food disposed on an open dish with the crease extending across the dish and with the crease being at an apex of the sheet while the food is heated in a microwave oven. The invention provides a convenient, easy to use and inexpensive device and method for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking of food in an open container such as a plate or bowl. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,126,520 to Nottingham et al discloses a shielded cover for a microwave container having upper and lower layers and a diamond-shaped metallic ring therebetween. The ring surrounds an upwardly extending multi-step truncated pyramid formed out of the center section of the upper and lower layers of the cover. The top surface of the truncated pyramid includes a series of openings to vent steam produced within the container. Microwave radiation produced by the microwave oven is reflected by the metallic ring and therefore only penetrates the cover to enter or exit the container at the corners and the center section of the cover. Microwaves are concentrated at the center section of the container and retained within the container, heating the center of the food therein proportionally more than the outer portion of the food, resulting in food having a uniform and consistent temperature throughout. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,303 to Drews discloses a microwave toaster including a rectangular block of microwave transparent material having a plurality of parallel and aligned slots therein for receiving cards of material which absorb microwave energy and subsequently dissipates heat therefrom. A piece of bread is positioned next to the material to absorb the heat dissipated therefrom for subsequently turning into browned toast. 
   Finally, WO 00/69222 to Davis discloses a fabric composite for microwave cooking. A composite of textile materials enhances both insulation and ventilation when formed as an enclosure or a cover for articles, and has particular utility for microwave cooking. The fabric composite includes multiple layers. One layer is a top insulative layer which has a multiplicity of pores therein, which may be voids which are present in a woven textile material. A mesh layer is attached to the insulative layer. The mesh layer has a multiplicity of pores which are formed therein. The mesh layer is formed of a non-porous fiber. One layer provides insulation to hold heat within the container or another article, while the mesh layer retards splattering. The composite allows steam ventilation from the container without the requirement of lifting a corner of the cover or enclosure from the container, or otherwise taking steps to provide ventilation. The fabric composite is machine washable. 
   Existing food covers do not provide consumers or users with a sanitary, easy-to-use product for microwave cooking. Many existing covers have a porous, mesh, or non-smooth surface facing the food which becomes contaminated with splattered food. If not properly and thoroughly cleaned, these non-smooth surfaces become havens for bacteria and germs. Also, many existing covers absorb liquid or moisture from steam which also creates an unsanitary condition as well as making the cover messy to handle. Furthermore, some existing covers are rigid and bulky making them difficult to wash in a dishwasher and inconvenient for storage. 
   Accordingly, there exists a need for overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art as discussed above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device for covering food during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface that is free of openings. The microwave sheet has a configuration and weight distribution for draping the sheet over food on a food-containing rigid structure such that the sheet contacts a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure creating a partial enclosure around the food. During microwave heating, the partial enclosure around the food substantially contains food-splattering inside while allowing build-up of steam to escape through an opening between the sheet and the portion of the outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the microwave sheet is made of plastic material, such as polyethylene. The microwave sheet has a gauge in the range of about 1 mil to approximately 12 mil. 
   Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a device for covering food during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface that is free of openings. The microwave sheet has a configuration and weight distribution for draping the sheet over food on a plate such that the sheet contacts an edge of the plate creating a cover over the food. During microwave heating, the cover substantially contains food-splattering while allowing build-up of steam to escape through an opening between the sheet and the edge of the plate. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the microwave sheet has a perimeter portion. Optionally, the perimeter portion includes a fold or bevel. Also, optionally, the gauge or weight of the perimeter portion of the sheet is greater than a gauge or weight of an interior portion of the sheet. Alternatively, the perimeter portion includes microwaveable weights. 
   Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for heating food in a microwave includes a microwavable container for containing food and a microwavable steam-impermeable sheet having a configuration and weight for draping the sheet over the microwavable container to form a cover over the food. During microwave heating, the cover substantially contains food-splattering while allowing build-up of steam to escape through an opening between the sheet and the container. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, the microwave sheet includes attachment means for connecting the sheet to a food container. Optionally, the sheet is removably attached to the container. Alternatively, the microwave sheet is rotationally attached to the food container. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a microwave sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a microwave sheet having a plurality of layers; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view showing a microwave sheet in use within a microwave oven; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing a microwave sheet in use having a heavier-weighted perimeter portion; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing a microwave sheet in use having a perimeter portion with microwaveable weights; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a microwave sheet having a folded perimeter portion; and 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing a microwave sheet in use having an attachment means. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
   The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
   According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a microwave sheet  100  is flexible single sheet of microwaveable material. The microwave sheet  100  includes at least one substantially smooth, food-facing surface  102  which is free of openings. The sheet  100  has a configuration and sufficient weight to be draped over food and/or over a food-containing structure to create at least a partial enclosure around the food. 
   When placing the microwave sheet  100  over a dish, the substantially smooth surface  102  of the sheet faces the food so that any food or splattering food which contacts the smooth, food-facing surface  102  can be easily removed. Optionally, the smooth, food-facing surface  102  of the sheet  100  is non-porous for easier removal of food and other contaminants. In one embodiment, the microwave sheet  100  is reusable by cleaning the sheet in a dishwasher or by hand. Alternatively, the microwave sheet  100  is disposable. 
   According to one exemplary embodiment, the microwave sheet  100  includes a plastic material which is substantially microwave transparent. Such plastic material is polyester, polyethylene, or similar material. The thickness or gauge of the material is sufficiently light to allow the microwave sheet to be draped over food. Additionally, the material is sufficiently heavy to prevent the microwave sheet  100  from being blown off by steam and splattering food without the sheet clinging to or being attached to the food-containing dish. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the microwave sheet  100  has a gauge in the range of approximately 1 mil to about 12 mil. 
   A variety of configurations of the microwave sheet  100  permits various food-containing dishes to be adequately covered during microwave use. Appropriate configurations for the microwave sheet  100  include circular, square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal, hexagonal, and similar configurations. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a microwave sheet  200 . The microwave sheet includes two layers of material  202  and  204 . The bottom layer  202  of the microwave sheet  200  includes a plastic material and has at least one substantially smooth surface  206  for contacting or facing food. The top layer  204  also includes a material that is substantially microwave transparent. For example, the top layer  204  includes a fabric material to insulate the microwave sheet  200 . In another example, the top layer  204  includes a plastic, ceramic, or composite material. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary embodiment of a microwave sheet  300  is shown in use within a microwave oven  302 . The microwave sheet  300  is draped over food  306  on a rigid structure, such as a plate  304 . Other examples of a rigid structure include a bowl, a cup, a dish, a saucer, and other similar objects. Examples of food include liquid and solid foods. The substantially smooth surface  316  of the sheet  300  faces the food  306 . When draped over food  306 , the microwave sheet  300  contacts the outer edge of the plate  304  to form a partial enclosure over the food  306 . The microwave sheet  300  rests on the plate  304  such that at least one passage  310  is formed between the sheet  300  and plate  304 . 
   As the microwave  302  heats the food  306 , steam  312  is produced and rises from the food  306 . The steam  312  is prevented from passing through the microwave sheet  300  since the sheet  300  is free of openings. Instead, steam  312  exits from under the enclosure through at least one passage  310  formed between the microwave sheet  300  and outer edge of the plate  304 . Furthermore, the microwave sheet  300  prevents splattering food  308  from soiling the interior of the microwave  302 . The sufficient weight of the microwave sheet  300  prevents the sheet  300  from being blown off by the splattering food  308  and rising steam  312 . 
   According to another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a microwave sheet  400  of the present invention includes at least a portion of an outer perimeter  414  which is thicker or has a greater gauge than an inner portion of the sheet  400 . The increased-gauge or heavier outer perimeter  414  provides additional means for holding the microwave sheet  400  in place when splattering food  408  and steam  412  are rising from the food  406  being heated in the microwave. In one embodiment, the thicker or heavier outer perimeter  414  extends around the entire microwave sheet  400 . 
   In use, the microwave sheet  400  of  FIG. 4  is draped over food  406  in a dish or bowl  404 . The microwave sheet  400  rests on the edges of the bowl  404  and forms passages  410  between the sheet  400  and bowl  404 . The heavier-gauged or thicker outer perimeter  414  of the microwave sheet  400  helps hold the sheet  400  over the food  406 . When the food  406  is being heated by the microwave, steam  412  rises from the food  406  and escapes from under the microwave sheet  400  through the passages  410 . Furthermore, splattering food  408  is caught or stopped by the smooth, food-facing surface  416  of the microwave sheet  400 . 
   According to another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a microwave sheet  500  of the present invention includes at least one weight  518  on the outer perimeter  514  of the sheet  500 . The at least one weight  518  provides additional means for holding the microwave sheet  500  in place when splattering food  508  and steam  512  are rising from the food  506  in the microwave. The weight  518  includes a substantially microwave transparent material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, composite, or similar material. In one embodiment, a plurality of weights  518  is disposed around the outer perimeter  514  of the sheet  500 . For example, the plurality of weights  518  is placed generally equidistant around the outer perimeter  514 . 
   In use, the microwave sheet  500  of  FIG. 5  is draped over food  506  in a dish or bowl  504 . The microwave sheet  500  rests on the edges of the bowl  504  and forms passages  510  between the sheet  500  and bowl  504 . The weights  518  on the outer perimeter  514  of the microwave sheet  500  help hold the sheet  500  over the food  506 . When the food  506  is being heated by the microwave, steam  512  rises from the food  506  and escapes from under the microwave sheet  500  through the passages  510 . Furthermore, splattering food  508  is captured by the smooth, food-facing surface  516  of the microwave sheet  500 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The microwave sheet  600  includes at least one fold  602  in the outer perimeter  614  of the sheet  600 . In one embodiment the fold  602  is disposed within the outer perimeter  614  during manufacturing of the sheet  600 . In another embodiment, the fold  602  is placed in the outer perimeter  614  by the consumer or user of the microwave sheet  600 . In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of folds  602  is disposed in the outer perimeter  614  of the microwave sheet  600 . For example, the plurality of folds  602  is spaced equidistantly around the outer perimeter  614  to form a beveled perimeter. 
   In use, the microwave sheet  600  of  FIG. 6  is draped over food in a dish or bowl  604  and rests on the edges of the bowl  604 . The folds  602  form passages  610  between the sheet  600  and bowl  604 . When the food is being heated by the microwave, steam  612  rises from the food and escapes from under the microwave sheet  600  through the passages  610 . Furthermore, splattering food is caught or stopped by the smooth, food-facing surface  616  of the microwave sheet  600 . 
   According to another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a microwave sheet  700  of the present invention includes at least one attachment means  718  for connecting the microwave sheet  700  to a plate, bowl, dish, or similar object  704 . Such an attachment means  718  includes a hinge, a clip, Velcro®, adhesive, a latch, or other suitable means. In one embodiment, the microwave sheet  700  is rotationally attached to a dish  704 . In another embodiment, the sheet  700  is removably connected with the dish  704 . 
   In use, the microwave sheet  700  with an attachment means  718  as described above is placed over food  706  in a dish  704 . An attachment means  718  connects one side of the microwave sheet  700  to the dish  704 . As the microwave sheet  700  rests on the edge of the dish  704 , a passage  710  is formed allowing steam  712  to escape from under the sheet  700 . The smooth, food-facing surface  716  of the microwave sheet  700  also prevents splattering food  708  from soiling the interior of the microwave. 
   Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.