Patent Publication Number: US-2018049578-A1

Title: Steamer container system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/061,539, filed Mar. 4, 2016, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,390, filed Mar. 6, 2015, both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to cookware, and more specifically to a microwave safe steamer container system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Microwave safe containers, including microwave safe containers with lids, are well known in the art. Traditionally, a microwave safe container (e.g., glass, plastic) has a single-piece microwave safe lid that seals the container. While such containers and lids according to the prior art provide a number of advantages, they nevertheless have certain limitations. For example, to vent the container, a user must unsnap a portion of the lid from the cooking container, risking scalded fingers from escaping steam or burned fingers from touching the heated container. As another example, to vent the container during cooking, either the lid is placed loosely askew on the container, creating a risk that the lid will fall off when removing the container from the microwave, or the lid is skipped altogether and potentially creating a messy microwave as a result. Further, a traditional microwave container with a lid does not allow for steaming food items without the food items being in contact with the steaming liquid. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, the disclosed subject technology relates to a steamer container system for cooking foods, including cooking foods in a microwave. In one embodiment, the steamer container system comprises a container and a lid assembly. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a container body having a sidewall member, a bottom member, and a cavity between sidewall member and the bottom member. In one embodiment, the sidewall member has a first end and a second end, and the bottom member is connected to the sidewall member adjacent the second end of the sidewall member. The cavity has an opening to the cavity adjacent the first end of the sidewall member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a lid assembly removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body. In one embodiment, the lid assembly comprises a base member and a vent tab. In an alternate embodiment, the lid assembly comprises a base member and a vent member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a base member that has a top surface and a bottom surface. A container receiver is provided at the bottom surface of the base member. The container receiver engages the first end of the sidewall member of the container body. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a first vent member receiver provided at the top surface of the base member to engage and removably retain the vent member. In an alternate embodiment, a second vent member receiver is provided at the top surface of the base member to engage and removably retain the vent member. The second vent member receiver is preferably provided inwardly of the first vent member receiver. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a vent aperture extending from the top surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the base member to provide access to the cavity of the container body when the base member is connected to the container body. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a vent tab connected to the base member and having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member. In one embodiment, a portion of the vent tab extends beyond a perimeter of the base member of the lid assembly when the protrusion of the vent tab is inserted into the vent aperture. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a vent member removably engaging the base member. In one embodiment, the vent member has a body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The vent member may also have a first mating member extending from the lower surface of the body. The first mating member may engage the first vent member receiver of the base member to removably secure the vent member to the base member. In an alternate embodiment, a second mating member extends from the lower surface of the body of the vent member. The second mating member engages the second vent member receiver of the base member to removably secure the vent member to the base member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a vent tab extending outwardly from the body of the vent member. In this embodiment, the vent tab of the vent member has a protrusion that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member. In one embodiment the vent tab is removable from the base member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a living hinge that is provided at the connection of the vent tab with the body of the vent member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to an index key on the base member and a mating index key receiver on the vent member to provide for properly aligning the vent member on the base member. The index key and index key receiver are separate from the vent aperture. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a transparent window in the base member to allow a user to see materials in the cavity of the container body through the transparent window in the base member when the lid assembly is connected to the container body. In one embodiment, the transparent window in the base member is made of a rigid material, and the remainder of the base member is made of a flexible material. In one embodiment, the vent member is also made of a flexible material. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a steamer basket sized to fit within the cavity of the container body. In one embodiment, the steamer basket has a bottom wall and a sidewall. In an alternate embodiment, the sidewall has a plurality of apertures therethrough and the bottom wall has no apertures therethrough. In one embodiment, a plurality of legs extend from a bottom surface of the steamer basket. The legs raise the bottom wall of the steamer basket a distance from the bottom member of the container body when the steamer basket is placed in the container body. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a steamer container system comprising a container body having a sidewall member, a bottom member, and a cavity between the sidewall member and the bottom member, the sidewall member having a first end and a second end, the bottom member connected to the sidewall member adjacent the second end of the sidewall member, an opening to the cavity provided adjacent the first end of the sidewall member; a lid assembly removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body, the lid assembly comprising a base member and a vent member; the base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a container receiver provided at the bottom surface of the base member, the container receiver engaging the first end of the sidewall member of the container body, a first vent member receiver provided at the top surface of the base member to engage and removably retain the vent member, and a vent aperture extending from the top surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the base member to provide access to the cavity of the container body when the base member is connected to the container body; and, the vent member removably engaging the base member, the vent member having a body with an upper surface and a lower surface, a first mating member extending from the lower surface of the body, the first mating member engaging the first vent member receiver of the base member to removably secure the vent member to the base member, the vent member also having a vent tab extending outwardly from the body, the vent tab having a protrusion that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a steamer container system, comprising: a container body having a sidewall member, a bottom member, and a cavity between the sidewall member and the bottom member, the sidewall member having a first end and a second end, the bottom member connected to the sidewall member adjacent the second end of the sidewall member, an opening to the cavity provided adjacent the first end of the sidewall member; a lid assembly removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body, the lid assembly comprising a base member and a vent tab, the base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a container receiver provided at the bottom surface of the base member, the container receiver engaging the first end of the sidewall member of the container body, and a vent aperture extending from the top surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the base member to provide access to the cavity of the container body when the base member is connected to the container body, the vent tab connected to the base member and having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member, wherein a portion of the vent tab extends beyond a perimeter of the base member of the lid assembly when the protrusion of the vent tab is inserted into the vent aperture. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a steamer container system, comprising: a container body having a sidewall member, a bottom member, and a cavity between the sidewall member and the bottom member, the sidewall member having a first end and a second end, the bottom member connected to the sidewall member adjacent the second end of the sidewall member, an opening to the cavity provided adjacent the first end of the sidewall member; a lid assembly removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body, the lid assembly comprising a base member and a vent tab, the base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a container receiver provided at the bottom surface of the base member, the container receiver engaging the first end of the sidewall member of the container body, and a vent aperture extending from the top surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the base member to provide access to the cavity of the container body when the base member is connected to the container body, the vent tab connected to the base member and having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member; and, a steamer basket sized to fit within the cavity of the container body, the steamer basket having a plurality of legs extending from a bottom surface of the steamer basket, the legs raising the bottom surface of the steamer basket a distance from the bottom member of the container body when the steamer basket is fitted in the container body. 
     The disclosed subject technology further relates to a steamer container system, comprising: a container body having a sidewall member, a bottom member, and a cavity between the sidewall member and the bottom member, the sidewall member having a first end and a second end, the bottom member connected to the sidewall member adjacent the second end of the sidewall member, an opening to the cavity provided adjacent the first end of the sidewall member; and, a lid assembly removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body, the lid assembly comprising a base member and a vent tab, the base member having a top surface and a bottom surface, a container receiver provided at the bottom surface of the base member, the container receiver engaging the first end of the sidewall member of the container body, and a vent aperture extending from the top surface of the base member to the bottom surface of the base member to provide access to the cavity of the container body when the base member is connected to the container body, the vent tab connected to the base member and having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture in the base member, wherein the base member has a central transparent portion to allow a user to view materials in the cavity of the container body through the transparent portion in the base member when the lid assembly is connected to the container body. 
     It is understood that other embodiments and configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the disclosures are illustrated and, together with the descriptions below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an example of a steamer container system. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the steamer container system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the steamer container system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the vent opening of the steamer container system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a lid for a steamer container system, taken about line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a front cross-sectional view of the steamer container system of  FIG. 1 , taken about line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5C  is an enlarged partial front cross-sectional view of the lid connection to the container body as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 6  is a partial exploded perspective view of a lid assembly for a steamer container system. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a steamer container system. 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a steamer basket for a steamer container system. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the steamer basket of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a steamer container system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the steamer container system discussed herein is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the steamer container system and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring now to the figures, and specifically to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is shown a steamer container system  10  generally comprising a container body  12  and a lid assembly  14 . In alternate embodiments the steamer container system  10  may also comprise a steamer basket  16 . 
     In one embodiment the container body  12  includes a sidewall member  18 , a bottom member  20 , and a cavity  22  between the sidewall member  18  and the bottom member  20 . The sidewall member  18  has a first end  24  and a second end  26 . The bottom member  20  is connected to the sidewall member  18  adjacent the second end  26  of the sidewall member  18 . The container body  12  also has an opening  28  to the cavity  22  adjacent the first end  24  of the sidewall member  18 . While the shape of the container body  12  in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  is generally round or cylindrical, the container body  12  may alternately have a different shape, such as a square as shown in  FIG. 7 , a rectangle as shown in  FIG. 10 , a mug (not shown) or generally any other shape. Further, the sidewall member  18  may have a slope or other shape or orientation to it, as may the bottom member  20 . Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the container body  12  is transparent so that a user can see the contents in the cavity  22  of the container body  12 , including when cooking, even when the lid assembly  14  is positioned on the container body  12 . In one embodiment the container body  12  is made of glass, including such as tempered glass, tempered soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass, although other microwave safe materials may be used, such as plastic and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the container body  12  preferably is a single integral piece. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the lid assembly  14  provides a closure to the cavity  22  of the container body  12 . The lid assembly  14  is preferably removably connected to the container body  12  to selectively open and close the opening  28  to the cavity  22  of the container body  12 . In one embodiment, the lid assembly  14  comprises a base member  30  and a vent tab  32 . In an alternate embodiment the vent tab  32  may extend from a vent member  34 . In a further alternate embodiment a window member  36  may be provided as part of the lid assembly  14 . The exploded view of  FIG. 3  displays the window member  36  separate from the base member  30 , however, in alternate embodiments the window member  36  is integral with the base member  30 . Additionally, in alternate embodiments the window member  36  is a transparent window member  36  to allow a user to see materials in the cavity  22  of the container body  12  through the transparent window  36  in the base member  30  when the lid assembly  14  is connected to the container body  12 . In one embodiment, the transparent window  36  in the base member  30  is made of a rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer including polypropylene. However, the perimeter portion  30   a  of the base member  30  is preferably made of a flexible material, such as a polyethylene. Similarly, the vent member  34  and vent tab  32  are preferably made of a flexible material, such as a polyethylene. 
     The base member  30  of the lid assembly  14  has a top surface  38  and a bottom surface  40 . The bottom surface  40  generally faces toward and may contact the container body  12 , and the top surface  38  generally faces away from the container body  12  and is used to retain the vent tab  32 , and in alternate embodiments, the vent member  34 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the base member  30  comprises a perimeter member  30   a  that connects to the container body  12 , and the base member  30  has a central opening  30   b . An insert member  36 , such as the window member  36  described above, may be connected to the base member  30  to close the central opening  30   b . Alternately, the base member  30  may be made of a single component that comprises a complete cover for the container body  12 . As a further alternate, and preferred embodiment, the base member  30  comprises both the perimeter member  30   a  and the insert member  36  which are joined to form the complete base member  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , and which when combined forms a complete cover for the container body  12 . In one embodiment the insert member  36  and perimeter member  30   a  are welded together at the joint between the insert member  36  and the perimeter member  30   a , such as by sonic welding, friction welding, or through some other mechanical welding. Alternately, the insert member  36  may be chemically joined to the perimeter member  30   a , such as with an adhesive. In such an embodiment, the insert member  36  is not removable from the perimeter member  30   a , thus forming the base member  30  having a window member  36 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the bottom surface  40  of the base member  30  has a container receiver  42  to removably engage the first end  24  of the sidewall member  18  of the container body  12  when the lid assembly  14  is inserted on the container body  12 . Referring to  FIG. 5C , in one embodiment, the container receiver  42  comprises a groove  42  to receive the lip  44  at the first end  24  of the container body  12 . In a preferred embodiment the groove  42  seals against the lip  44  of the container body  12 , and in a most preferred embodiment a seal  46 , such as a wiper seal or rib seal  46 , is provided in the interior of the groove  42  to assist in sealing the base member  30  to the sidewall member  18  of the container body  12 . In an embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1-6  wherein the container body  12  is circular, the groove  42  is an annular groove, however, in alternate embodiments with different shapes, such as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the groove  42  generally conforms to the perimeter shape of the base member  30  and container body  12 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5C , the base member  30  of the lid assembly  14  also has a vent aperture  50 . The vent aperture  50  provides access, ingress and egress, to the cavity  22  of the container body  12  even when the lid assembly  14  is connected to and on the container body  12  and covering the opening  28  to the cavity  22 . The vent aperture  50  extends through the base member  30 , from the top surface  38  to the bottom surface  40 . In a preferred embodiment the vent aperture  50  is an elongated aperture  50 , with a slot-like shape. 
     The base member  30  of the lid assembly  14  also preferably secures the vent tab  32  to the lid assembly  14  to allow the vent tab  32  to be used as a means to close the vent aperture  50 . In one embodiment, the vent tab  32  extends from the vent member  34 . In both alternate embodiments, the vent tab  32  is preferably removably connected to the base member  30 , however, in further alternate embodiments the vent tab  32  need not be removable from the base member  30 . 
     One means in which the base member  30  secures the vent tab  32  is by securing the vent member  34  with the vent tab  32  extending therefrom. As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the base member  30  has vent receivers to receive and secure the vent member  34  and/or vent tab  32  thereto. The vent member receivers engage and removably retain the vent member  34  and/or vent tab  32 . In one embodiment, the base member  30  has a first vent member receiver  52  and a second vent member receiver  54 . The first and second vent member receivers  52  and  54  are provided at the top surface  38  of the base member  30 . In one embodiment, wherein the base member  30  comprises both the perimeter member  30   a  and the insert member  36  that are joined to form the complete base member  30 , the first vent member receiver  52  is formed in the top surface  38  of the perimeter portion  40   a  of the base member  30 , and the second vent member receiver  54  is formed in the top surface of the insert member  36  portion of the base member  30 . When two vent member receivers  52 ,  54  are utilized, the second vent member receiver  54  is preferably located inwardly or interior of the first vent member receiver  52 . 
     In one embodiment, the first and second vent member receivers  52  and  54  are recessed grooves  52 ,  54  to receive a portion of the vent member  34  and/or vent tab  32 . In one embodiment, one or more of the first and second vent member receivers  52  and  54  may also have a seal  56 , such as a wiper seal or rib seal  56  in the interior of the first vent member receiver  52  and/or second vent member receiver  54  to seal against the vent member  34  and/or vent tab  32 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5A-5C , in one embodiment where a vent member  34  is used to secure the vent tab  32  to the base member  30  of the lid assembly  14 , the vent member  34  removably engages the base member  40  through mating members  60  that are secured within the vent receivers  52  and  54 . In one embodiment, the vent member  34  has a body  62  with an upper surface  64  and a lower surface  66 . The mating members  60  preferably extend from the lower surface  66  of the body  62  of the vent member  34 . The mating members  60  may be ribs, protrusions or some other mating member. Further, in a preferred embodiment the vent member  34  has a first mating member  60   a  and a second mating member  60   b . The first mating member  60   a  engages the first vent member receiver  52 , and the second mating member  60   b  engages the second vent member receiver  54 . The mating members  60   a ,  60   b  assist in removably securing the vent member  34  and the vent tab  32  to the base member  30 . In one embodiment where the vent member receivers  52 ,  54  are grooves, the mating members  60   a ,  60   b  are preferably protrusions that extend out from the lower surface  66  of the vent member  34 . Alternately, the mating members may be grooves or female members, and the vent member receivers may be protrusions or male members. The mating members  60   a ,  60   b  may also have seals to seal against the inner wall of the mating receivers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment the base member  30  has an index key  70  that is used to properly locate the vent member  34  on the base member  30 . The index key  70  is preferably a solid wall member  70  located in one or both of the vent receivers  52  and  54 . And, the corresponding mating member  60  or members  60   a ,  60   b  has a corresponding relief  72  that mates with the index key  70 . When the index key  70  is fitted into the relief  72 , the vent member  34  will be properly aligned on the base member  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the vent member  34  is in the shape of a band or loop, which may be circular in shape as shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , square in shape as shown in  FIG. 7 , rectangular in shape as shown in  FIG. 10 , or any other shape to conform to the base member  30  and container body  12 . 
     When a vent member  34  is provided, the vent tab  32  preferably extends outwardly from the body  62  of the vent member  34 . The vent tab  32  has a protrusion  80  extending therefrom, preferably from the lower surface thereof, which is adapted to engage and mate with the vent aperture  50  to selectively close and seal the vent aperture  50  in the base member  30 . The protrusion  80  therefore operates to both seal and allow for venting of the cavity  22  of the container  12  when the lid assembly  14  is on the container  12 . The protrusion  80  of the vent tab  32  preferably operates to close and seal the vent aperture  50  when no venting is desired during or after cooking (see  FIGS. 1, 2 and 5A-5C ). This allows the steamer container system  10  to retain steam and/or heat. The protrusion  80  of the vent tab  32  also preferably operates to open and vent the vent aperture  50  when venting is desired during or after cooking (see  FIG. 4 ). This allows the steamer container system  10  to vent steam and/or heat while the lid assembly  14  is on the container body  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4 and 5C , to allow the vent tab  32  to be manipulated more easily, a hinge  84  is preferably provided at the connection between vent tab  32  and the body  62  of the vent member  34 . In one embodiment the hinge  84  is a living hinge. Referring also to  FIGS. 1, 5B, 5C, 7 and 10 , in one embodiment a portion of the vent tab  32  preferably extends beyond a perimeter of the base member  30  of the lid assembly  14  when the protrusion  80  of the vent tab  32  is inserted into the vent aperture  50 . This allows the vent tab  32  to be easily gripped and moved by the user. 
     The steamer container system  10  may also include a steamer basket  16  that is preferably sized to fit within the cavity  22  of the container body  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3, 5B, 8 and 9 , in one embodiment the steamer basket  16  includes a sidewall  90 , a bottom wall  92  toward a distal end of the sidewall member  90 , and a cavity  94  therebetween. The steamer basket  16  preferably is a single integral piece formed of a microwave safe material (e.g., plastic and the like). The sidewall  90  preferably has a plurality of apertures or vent holes  96  therethrough, preferably toward the proximal end of the sidewall  90 , and preferably not toward the distal end near the bottom wall  92 . Additionally, in a preferred embodiment there are no apertures or vent holes in the bottom wall  92 . This allows for gravies or other liquids to remain in the bottom portion of the steamer basket  16  without leaking or spilling out into the cavity  22  of the container body  12  during cooking of food in the steamer basket  16 . Additionally, the steamer basket  16  may have legs  98  extending from a bottom surface of the steamer basket  16 . The legs  98  operate to raise the bottom wall  92  of the steamer basket  16  a distance from the bottom member  20  of the container body  12  when the steamer basket  16  is placed in the cavity  22  of the container body  12 . 
     For example, an amount of water may be put into the cavity  22  of the container body  12  such that the water level does not reach the lowest vent holes  96  in the steamer basket  16 . Most preferably, the water level will not reach the bottom wall  92  of the steamer basket  16  because the legs  98  of the steamer basket  16  raise the bottom wall  92  from the bottom member  20  of the container body  12 . Then, a food item (e.g., fresh vegetables, a frozen meal), including a marinade or gravy for the food item, may be placed in the cavity  94  of the steamer basket  16  and the contents steamed by heating the water. Accordingly, the marinade and/or gravy as well as any juices or liquids from the food items may gather on the bottom portion of the steamer basket  16  without spilling out of the steamer basket  16 . When the steaming process is complete, the food item and the remaining juices may be removed from the steamer basket  16  for consumption, and any remaining water may be dumped out of the container body  12 . 
     Alternatively to the steamer basket  16 , the steamer container system  10  may include a strainer basket (not shown). The strainer basket may have multiple strainer holes disposed on the bottom portion of the strainer basket as well as in the sidewalls thereof, allowing any juices or liquids within the strainer basket to drain into the container body, as well as allowing the steam to pass through the holes in the strainer basket. For example, a block of frozen vegetables may be placed in the strainer basket and microwaved until thawed and/or warmed to a desired temperature. Any thawed liquid (e.g., frozen water) will then drain through the strainer holes so that the warmed vegetables may be removed in the strainer basket and served, while the drained liquid may be dumped out of the container body. 
     As shown in the figures, the steamer container system  10  may have a variety of shapes (e.g., round, square, rectangular and the like). Whatever the size and shape of the container body  12 , the lid assembly  14  is sized and shaped correspondingly. Thus, the steamer container system  10  may be a sealed storage container in which food items and/or liquid items may be kept in storage (e.g., freezer, refrigerator, pantry). The steamer container system  10  may be removed from storage and heated up (e.g., microwaved) and the heated food and/or liquid item may be used or served. 
     Several alternative examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the examples could be provided in any combination with the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Additionally, the word “including” as used herein is utilized in an open-ended manner. 
     While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.