Patent Publication Number: US-2021177194-A1

Title: Microwavable dish

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure generally relates to a microwavable dish for containing food for heating in a microwave. More specifically, the disclosure relates to the structure of the microwavable dish with a microwave-absorbing coating. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Compared to a traditional oven, a microwave oven can enable fast and economical heat treatment of food by heating or exciting particles within the food. However, microwave ovens do not provide the “browning effect” produced by traditional ovens whose thermal action is exerted from the outside to the inside of the food. 
     To overcome this drawback, microwavable dishes are provided with a microwavable coating that absorbs electro-magnetic radiation. The absorption helps to heat the microwavable dish so that the food in the microwavable dish can be heated from the outside, similar to the traditional oven. The microwavable coating is often applied to the back or bottom side for of the microwavable dishes. However, even with the microwavable coating, food often has unwanted browning in some areas while leaving other parts of the food uncooked. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a microwavable dish that includes a top having a surface adapted to hold a food item, and reflect microwaves, a bottom in opposing relationship to the top having a dome portion that absorbs microwaves, and a plurality of nubs projecting from the dome portion. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a microwavable dish that includes a body having a top and an opposing bottom, a surface adapted to hold a food item defined by the top, a dome portion defined by the bottom, and a microwave-absorbing, nanoparticle coating applied to at least a portion of the dome forming or coating a plurality of projecting nubs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of a microwavable dish. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross section of the microwavable dish  10  of  FIG. 1  along line II-II. 
         FIG. 3  a schematic cross section of a portion of the microwave dish of  FIG. 1  along line III-III. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a nub of the microwave dish of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of the microwavable dish  10  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is another schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of the microwavable dish  10  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is yet another schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of the microwavable dish  10  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is still yet another schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of the microwavable dish  10  of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, aft, etc.) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of aspects of the disclosure described herein. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, secured, fastened, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to one another. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto can vary. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a microwavable dish  10  having a bottom  12  in opposing relationship to a top  14 . Optionally, the microwavable dish  10  can include sides  16  that generally extend away from the bottom  12 . The sides  16  can extend from the bottom  12  and protrude beyond the top  14 . A body  20  can be defined by the top  14 , the bottom  12  and the sides  16 . The body  20  can be made of non-microwave-absorbable material that generally reflects microwaves. For example, the body  20  can be aluminum. The term “reflects microwaves” or “non-microwave-absorbable” as used herein describes a material that reflects more microwaves than it absorbs. The term “microwave-absorbing” as used herein describes a material that absorbs more microwaves than it reflects. 
     A bottom perimeter  22  can be defined at the location where the sides  16  join the bottom  12  of the body  20 . The bottom  12  can include a microwave-absorbing dome portion  24 . The dome portion  24  is illustrated as concave, however it is contemplated that the dome portion  24  can be convex relative to the top  14 . 
     An apex  28  of the dome portion  24  can be defined as the point on the dome portion  24  or the bottom  12  furthest from a plane containing the bottom perimeter  22 . 
     The dome portion  4  can include a microwave-absorbing coating  32  that can at least partially render the dome portion  24  of the microwaveable dish  10  as microwave-absorbing. The coating  32  can couple to the body  20  of the microwavable dish  10  at the bottom  12 . Alternatively, or in addition, it will be understood that the bottom  12 , including the dome portion  24  can be formed in whole or in part of a microwave absorbing material. A plurality of microwave-absorbing nubs  34  can extend from the dome portion  24  or bottom  12 . As illustrated by way of non-limiting example, the nubs  34  can be arranged in a matrix having rows and columns where the rows are generally perpendicular to the columns. It is contemplated, however, that the nubs  34  can be equally spaced from each other in any distribution on the dome portion  24  or they can be variably spaced from each other. 
     Further illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, is a circular area  36  centered on the apex  28  having an arc representative of a radius  38  from which the nubs  34  are absent. The circular area  36  can be in the center of the dome portion  24  and have an area between 0 and 75 percent of the total surface area of the dome portion  24 . The total surface area of the dome portion  24  or the circular area  36  can be found using any known means of calculating surface area. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic cross section of the microwavable dish  10 . The domed portion  24  of the microwavable dish  10  can have a radius of curvature  40  illustrated as extending from the apex  28  to a center point  42 . The center point  42  can be the center of a circle  44  which is at least in part defined by the dome portion  24 . An imaginary line  50  can extend from the center point  42  to the apex  28 . 
     A surface  54  adapted to hold a food item can be defined by the top  14 . A geometric center  52  of the surface  54  or the top  14  of the microwavable dish  10  can be a location relatively equidistance from the sides  16  of the microwavable dish  10  along the top  14 . The line  50  can pass through the center point  42  and the geometric center  52 , therefore the geometric center  52  can be defined as the intersection of the top  14  and the line  50 . 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic cross section of a portion of the microwave dish  10  further illustrating that the circular area  36  is centered on the apex  28 . As illustrated, the circular area  36  can have the same radius of curvature  40  as the dome portion  24 . Alternatively, the circular area  36  can have a radius of curvature that is greater than or less than the dome portion  24 . The radius  38  of the circular area  36  can be up to at least 50% of the radius of curvature  40 . Optionally, the coating  32  at the circular area  36  can be recessed, defining a pocket  58 . However, it is contemplated that the coating  32  can be raised or include at least one topographical feature at any point of the dome portion  24 . 
     The coating  32  can be thickened to form the nubs  34 . Alternatively, the coating  32  can be applied to optional protrusions  60  that extend from the bottom  12  of the body  20 , where the nubs  34  are formed from the protrusions  60  and the coating  32  that covers the protrusions  60 . 
     The coating  32  can include at least one different material than the body  20 . It is contemplated that the coating  32  can include a plurality of nanoparticles, such as, but not limited to carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibrils, or any combination of these materials. Additionally, or alternatively, the coating  32  can be made from ceramic composites that include by way of non-limited example, nanocrystalline ceramic nanoparticles. Alternatively, the microwave-absorbing coating  32  can include some of the same material as the body  20 . 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates the nubs  34  as semi-spherical. However, the nubs  34  can be any three-dimensional shape including, but not limited to, a cylinder, a sphere, a cuboid or a combination therein. The nubs  34  can have a height  62  measured from a surface level  64  of the coating  32  to a peak point  66  or to a point that extends the farthest from the surface level  64 . The height  62  can be anywhere from 2 millimeters to 12 millimeters. Additionally, or alternatively, the height can be between 12 millimeters and 14 millimeters. 
     A nub diameter  70  can be a diameter measurement of the semi-spherical nub  34 . Alternatively, the nub diameter  70  can be the distance across the nub  34  at the widest point. The nub diameter  70  can be greater than 2 millimeters. It is contemplated that the nub diameter  70  can be between 2 millimeters and 16 millimeters. It is further contemplated that the ratio of the height to the diameter can include or be between 3:8 to 3:4. 
     It is contemplated that each of the plurality of nubs  34  can have similar or different dimensions. That is, the plurality of nubs  34  can all have the same height  62  or the same nub diameter  70 . Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of nubs  34  can have different height or different nub diameter measurements than the other nubs. 
     In operation, food is placed in the body  20  of the microwave dish  10 . The food in the microwave dish  10  is then cooked within a microwave oven. The coating  32  with the nubs  34  is designed, at a first pass, to match resonance with the frequency of the microwave oven. That is, the coating  32  absorbs microwave radiation by converting the microwaves into heat through matching resonance frequency. The resonance frequency can be, for example, approximately 2.45 GHz. 
     Heat is generated when at least a portion of the coating  32  with the nubs  34  resonates. Nanoparticles in the coating  32  contribute to the generation of heat at resonance. An increase in nanoparticle density or plurality can result in a higher maximum temperature of the body  20 . 
     The resonance of at least a portion of the materials in the coating  32  with the nubs  34  quickly provides the body  20  with an evenly distributed source of heat. The body  20  can then quickly provide the food with evenly distributed heat that will help evenly cook the food from the outside. Additionally, or simultaneously, microwaves absorbed by the food can help cook the inside of the food. 
       FIG. 5  is another schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of a microwavable dish  110 . The microwavable dish  110  is similar to the microwavable dish  10 , therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the microwavable dish  10  applies to the microwavable dish  110 , unless otherwise noted. 
     The microwavable dish  110  can have a bottom  112  in opposing relationship to a top  114 . Optionally, the microwavable dish  110  can include sides  116  that generally extend away from the bottom  112 . A body  120  can be defined by the top  114 , the bottom  112 , and the sides  116 . The body  120  can vary in thickness. 
     The bottom  112  can include a microwave-absorbing dome portion  124 . A microwave-absorbing coating  132  is illustrated with a plurality of nubs  134  that can be coupled to the dome portion  124 . It is contemplated that the thickness of the coating  132  can vary along the bottom  112  of the microwavable dish  110 . It is further contemplated that the coating  132  can fill in or penetrate the body  120  in at least one optional body recesses  135 . 
     A geometric center  152  on the top  114  of the microwavable dish  110  can be defined as a location equidistant from the sides  116 . It is contemplated that the top  114  can be planar. A line  150  passing through a center point  142  of the dome portion  124  and the geometric center  152  can be generally perpendicular to the top  114 . 
       FIG. 6  is another schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of a microwavable dish  210 . The microwavable dish  210  is similar to the microwavable dish  10 , therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the microwavable dish  10  applies to the microwavable dish  210 , unless otherwise noted. 
     The microwavable dish  210  can have a bottom  212  in opposing relationship to a top  214 . Optionally, the microwavable dish  210  can include sides  216  where a body  220  can be defined by the top  214 , the bottom  212 , and the sides  216 . While illustrated with a generally uniform thickness, it is contemplated that the body  220  can vary in thickness. 
     A microwave-absorbing coating  232  is illustrated with a plurality of nubs  234 . It is contemplated that the thickness of the coating  232  can vary along the bottom  212  of the microwavable dish  210  to form a dome portion  224 . 
     A geometric center  252  of the top  214  can be determined as a location that is generally equidistant from the sides  216 . It is contemplated that the top  214  can be planar. A line  250  passing through a center point  242  of the dome portion  224  and the geometric center  252  can be perpendicular to the top  214 . However, it is contemplated that the bottom  212  or the top  214  can be curved at a different radius of curvature than the dome portion  224 . 
       FIG. 7  is another non-limiting schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of a microwavable dish  310 . The microwavable dish  310  is similar to the microwavable dish  10 , therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 300, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the microwavable dish  10  applies to the microwavable dish  310 , unless otherwise noted. 
     The microwavable dish  310  can have a bottom  312  in opposing relationship to a top  314 . Optionally, the microwavable dish  310  can include sides  316  where a body  320  can be defined by the top  314 , the bottom  312 , and the sides  316 . While illustrated with a generally uniform thickness, it is contemplated that the body  320  can vary in thickness. A bottom perimeter  322  can be defined at the location where the sides  316  join the bottom  312  of the body  320 . 
     A microwave-absorbing coating  332  is illustrated with a plurality of nubs  334 . It is contemplated that the thickness of the coating  332  can vary along the bottom  312  of the microwavable dish  310  to form a dome portion  324 . 
     A geometric center  352  of the top  314  can be determined as a location that is generally equidistant from the sides  316 . It is contemplated that the top  314  can be planar. An apex area  329  can be defined as the area on the dome portion  324  furthest from a plane containing the bottom perimeter  322 . The apex area  329  can form at least a portion of a circular area  336 . A line  350  passing through a center point  342  and the geometric center  352  can be perpendicular to the apex area  329 . That is, the apex area  329  is in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the top  314  or the plane containing the bottom perimeter  322 . 
       FIG. 8  is another non-limiting schematic variation of the cross section of at least a portion of a microwavable dish  410 . The microwavable dish  410  is similar to the microwavable dish  10 , therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the microwavable dish  10  applies to the microwavable dish  410 , unless otherwise noted. 
     The microwavable dish  410  can have a bottom  412  in opposing relationship to a top  414 . Optionally, the microwavable dish  410  can include sides  416  that generally extend away from the bottom  412 . A body  420  can be defined by the top  414 , the bottom  412 , and the sides  416 . The body  420  can vary in thickness. 
     The bottom  412  can include a microwave-absorbing dome portion  424 . A microwave-absorbing coating  432  is illustrated with a plurality of nubs  434  that can be coupled to the dome portion  124 . It is contemplated that the thickness of the coating  432  can vary along the bottom  412  of the microwavable dish  410 . 
     Optionally, a transfer coating  480  can be located between the coating  432  and the body  420 . The transfer coating  480  can help transfer heat from the coating  432  to the body  420 . The transfer coating  480  can be made from a different material than the coating  432  or the body  420 . Alternatively, the transfer coating  480  can be made of similar materials as the coating  432  or the body  420 . 
     Benefits associated with aspects of the disclosure herein include a microwavable dish that increases in temperature quickly to enhance the cooking of the outside of a food item in a microwave. The shape of the nubs and the material used to create the nubs and the coating have special resonance characteristics that enhance the transformation of microwave radiation to heat. 
     Another benefit is the even distribution of heat using the coating and the nubs to more uniformly provide heat to the food in the microwavable dish. 
     Yet another benefit can be a reduction in power required to heat food. The material composition and structure of the coating on the microwavable dish increases the efficiency of transferring microwave radiation to heat. Therefor it will not take as long to heat or cook food items. 
     This written description uses examples to describe aspects of the disclosure described herein, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     ASPECTS 
     Various characteristics, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure may also be embodied in the following technical solutions as defined by the clauses: 
     1. A microwavable dish comprising: 
     a top having a surface adapted to hold a food item, and reflect microwaves; 
     a bottom in opposing relationship to the top having dome portion that absorbs microwaves; and 
     a plurality of nubs projecting from the dome portion. 
     2. The microwavable dish of aspect 1 wherein the dome portion further comprises a microwave-absorbing coating.
 
3. The microwavable dish of aspect 2 wherein the coating comprises a plurality of nanoparticles.
 
4. The microwavable dish of aspect 3 wherein the coating is applied to at least some of the nubs.
 
5. The microwavable dish of aspect 3 wherein the coating is thickened to form at least some of the nubs.
 
6. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-5 wherein the dome portion defines a radius of curvature with a center point.
 
7. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-6 wherein the top is planar.
 
8. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-7 wherein the dome portion further comprises an apex.
 
9. The microwavable dish of aspect 8 wherein the nubs are absent within a circular area centered on the apex and having a radius up to at least 50% of a radius of curvature of the dome portion.
 
10. The microwavable dish of aspect 9 wherein the nubs are otherwise substantially equally distributed on the dome portion.
 
11. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-10 wherein the nubs are arranged in a matrix.
 
12. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-11 wherein the nubs have a height to a diameter ratio including and between 3:8 and 3:4.
 
13. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 1-12 wherein the nubs are semi-spherical.
 
14. A microwavable dish comprising:
 
     a body having a top and an opposing bottom; 
     a surface adapted to hold a food item define by the top; 
     a dome portion defined by the bottom; and 
     a microwave-absorbing, nanoparticle coating applied to at least a portion of the dome portion forming or coating a plurality of projecting nubs. 
     15. The microwavable dish of aspect 14 wherein a plurality of nanoparticles in the nanoparticle coating is applied to both the dome portion and the nubs.
 
16. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 14-15 wherein a plurality of nanoparticles in the nanoparticle coating is applied to the dome portion and thickened to form the nubs.
 
17. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 14-16 wherein the nubs are semi-spherical.
 
18. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 14-17 wherein the nubs have a height of 2-12 mm and a diameter of 2-20 mm.
 
19. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 14-18 wherein the dome portion defines a radius of curvature and the nubs are absent from an area in a center of the dome portion, with the area comprises between 0 and 75 percent of a total surface area of the dome portion.
 
20. The microwavable dish of any of aspects 14-19 wherein the body is non-microwave-absorbable.