Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
I
HOT-DOG STEAMER SYSTEM
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a steamer system, and more particularly a
steamer
system used for steaming food, such as hot-dogs for example, and the like.
Background of the invention:
Steaming devices and appliances having various accessories used in cooking
applications are well known in the art.
For example, steaming pots, or stackable saucepans, are widely used cooking
equipment consisting mainly of two pots closed off by a lid. First, the bottom
pot is filled
with water and placed on a stove-top to bring the water to a boil. A second
pot is placed
on top of the first one and is usually provided with a plurality of holes to
let steam
produced from the boiling water pass therethrough to cook food contained
within the
second pot. Many drawbacks emerged from the use of such steaming pots such as
the
restriction of use with a stove-top, and the requirement of a large storage
space among
others. Being restricted to boiling water on top of a stove forces a user to
use said
steaming pots in a kitchen and dramatically reduces their reliability in other
environments.
The Applicant is aware of US patent No.691,380 granted on January 21st, 1902,
to HOWER, relating to a "steam cooker". Namely, this document describes a
steam
cooking apparatus whose parts are adapted to be separated and packed or nested
in
the main or water section for compactness in shipping and storage and which
shall be
able of easy erection. However, the steam cooker described is still restricted
to boiling
water by resting on a stove.
Also known to the Applicant is US patent No. 998,096 granted on July 18th,
1911,
to HUTCHINGS, and relating to a "steam-cooker". Namely, this document
describes an
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apparatus for cooking or steaming foods or the like and has for its object to
provide an
improved device whereby several articles of food may be cooked at the same
time in
separate compartments without one article being contaminated by the flavor or
odor of
the other or others. The device comprises many containers arranged one above
the other
upon a saucepan, boiler or the like and has a mean whereby the steam from said
saucepan may be admitted to each or all the food containers or compartments at
will.
Also known to the Applicant is US patent application No. 10/730,893 published
on
June 24th, 2004, to DUMOUX et al., and relating to a "steam cooker having a
reduced
size". Namely, this document describes a steam cooker composed of at least one
cooking
element having a peripheral lateral wall and a pedestal having a steam
production base.
The at least one cooking element and the pedestal are constructed and
dimensioned to
allow the at least one cooking element to be placed in either an upright
position on the
pedestal to hold a food being cooked or in an inverted position on the
pedestal so that the
peripheral lateral wall at least partially envelopes the pedestal.
Despite these known improvements, there is always a need to continue
innovating
and finding better and/or different ways of steaming food in various
applications, in a more
efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable, more adjustable, more
versatile,
more adaptable, more impacfful, and/or more desirable manner (ex. depending on
the
circumstances, and the intended results, etc.).
Thus, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide a new steaming
system
which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at
least
minimize some of the known drawbacks associated with conventional steamers,
for
example.
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Summary of the invention:
An object of the present invention is to provide a steaming system which, by
virtue
of its design and components, is intended to satisfy the above-mentioned need
and which
is thus an improvement over other related steaming systems, corresponding
associated
accessories and/or steaming devices, assemblies and/or methods known in the
prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above main object is achieved,
as
will be easily understood, with a steaming system such as the one(s) briefly
described
herein and such as the one exemplified and/or alluded to in the accompanying
drawings.
More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a steaming system for steaming food, the steaming system comprising:
a base component (3) adapted for receiving fluid therein, the base component
being adapted to cooperate with a steam generating apparatus (5) configured to
heat up
said fluid to produce corresponding steam;
at least one steaming component (7) comprising a steaming compartment (8)
configured to contain the food to be steamed, said at least one steaming
component (7)
being operatively mountable on the base component (3),
the steaming system (1) being operable in a steaming configuration (50) where
the
components of the steaming system (1) are assembled onto one another so that
the at
least one steaming component (7) has an interface being in fluid communication
with the
base component (3) to allow the passage of steam from the base component into
the
steaming compartment (8), the steaming system (1) being further operable in a
storage
configuration (60) where the components of the steaming system are
disassembled from
one another and where the base component (3) is contained within said steaming
compartment (8) of the at least one steaming component (7).
As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the present system is
particularly
advantageous in that, due to its components and features, it enables, or at
the very least,
it aims, to reduce manipulations and manipulation time for assembling a
steamer system,
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reduce storage space required for such systems, reduce operation time of
steaming food
for consumption; and many more which will become obvious as explained
hereinbelow.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will
become
more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of
preferred
embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with
reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 a is a front perspective view of a steamer system according to a
possible
embodiment of the present system.
Figure 1 b is a front perspective view of a steamer system according to
another
possible embodiment of the present system.
Figure 2 and 2a are front perspective view of a base component and support
plate
according to an embodiment, showing a refill spout in a closed configuration
(Figure 2)
and an open configuration (Figure 2a).
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a base component and support plate
according to an embodiment, showing the interior of the base component.
Figure 4a is a front perspective view of the steamer system shown in Figure 1
a with
an access door in an open configuration according to a possible embodiment.
Figure 4b is a front perspective view of the steamer system shown in Figure lb
with
an access door in an open configuration according to a possible embodiment.
Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a steaming component according to an
embodiment, showing a plurality of openings located on the bottom surface
thereof.
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Figure 6a is an exploded view of the steamer system shown in Figure 1 a with
components arranged in increasing size from top to bottom.
Figure 6b is an exploded view of the steamer system shown in Figure 1 b with
components arranged in increasing size from top to bottom.
Figure 7a is a front perspective view of the steamer system shown in Figure la
arranged in a storage configuration according to a possible embodiment of the
present
system.
Figure 7b is a front perspective view of the steamer system shown in Figure 1
b
arranged in a storage configuration according to a possible embodiment of the
present
system.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not
unduly
burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been
provided
with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention
illustrated
in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments,
geometrical
configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions (expressed in inches,
and/or
centimeters, for example) shown in the figures and/or described herein, are
preferred, for
exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed as a steaming
system for steaming food, such as hot-dog sausages and/or hot-dog buns, and
the like,
for example, it may be used for various other types of applications, and with
various other
types of objects (i.e., foods), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
For this reason,
expressions such as "steaming", "cooking", "heating", "boiling", etc., used
herein should
not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all
other kinds of
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objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be
useful, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "device",
"apparatus", "assembly", "system", etc., as well as any other equivalent
expressions
and/or compound words thereof known in the art can/will be used
interchangeably, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other
mutually equivalent
expressions, such as, for example: a) "steaming container", "steaming
component",
"steaming vessel", "steaming pot", "steaming tub", "steaming enclosure", etc.;
b)
"compartment", "chamber", "booth", "area", "cell", "portion", etc.; as well as
for any other
mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions
and/or to
any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as
also apparent
to a person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered
that
expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and
"mountable",
may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit
with
corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and
operational
steaming system for use with various types of foods.
Moreover, components of the steaming system, associated
accessory(ies)/component(s)/part(s) thereof and/or steps of the method(s)
described
herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or interchanged,
without
departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular
applications
which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end results, as
briefly
exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and
although the preferred embodiments of the steaming system, accessory(ies),
component(s), part(s) and/or associated method(s) (ex. manufacturing,
assembling,
operating, use, etc.) may consist of certain preferred steps and components as
explained
herein, not all of these steps and components are essential to the invention
and thus
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should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to
limit the scope
of the present invention. It is to be understood, as apparent to a person
skilled in the art,
that other suitable steps, components and cooperation thereinbetween, may be
used for
the present steaming system (as well as corresponding components thereof,
etc.) and
corresponding method(s) (of manufacturing, assembling, operating and/or use,
etc.)
according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter
and as can be
easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing
from the scope of
the invention.
Broadly described, the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, relates to a steaming system to be used in order to steam a variety
of foods,
the system can comrpise components mountable onto a steam-generating base to
effectively steam the food.
Referring to Figures 1 a and 1 b, a steaming system according to possible
embodiments of the present invention is provided. The steaming system
illustratively
comprises a base component adapted for receiving fluid therein, such as water
or other
similar and/or suitable fluids used for steaming food, and a plurality of
components
stacked thereon in a manner that will be described hereinbelow.
Now referring to Figures 2 to 3, the base component can be configured to
cooperate with a steam generating apparatus adapted to heat up the fluid
contained within
the base component to produce steam. In this embodiment, the base component
can
include a housing and a support plate removably connected to the housing. More
specifically, the housing includes peripheral walls defining a housing
interior configured to
receive therein the water needed to produce the aforementioned steam.
Additionally, the
base component can be provided with a water level indicator adapted to provide
visual
information regarding the level of the water contained within the housing
interior without
having to disassemble the steaming system. In some embodiments, the water
level
indicator is a transparent window located on the housing adapted to allow
observation of
the housing interior from an outside point of view. It should be noted that
the transparent
window can be provided with markers, such as MIN and/or MAX to facilitate
determination
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of the water level. Alternatively, the water level indicator can be a visual
indicator, such
as an LED indicator, adapted to light up if the water level is too low.
However, it should be
understood that any suitable means, methods, or combination thereof, for
indicating the
water level can also be used.
In some embodiments, the base component can be provided with a pair of handles
(Figure la) adapted to facilitate transportation thereof. More specifically,
the handles of
the base component can be provided on opposite ends of the base component, but
can
alternatively be provided at any other suitable location. In other
embodiments, the
steaming system can be adapted to be transported via a shoulder strap
connectable to
one of the components of the steaming system, therefore facilitating
transportation of the
system.
Still referring to Figures 2 to 3, the support plate can be positioned atop
the housing
to effectively cover the housing interior. It should be understood that
openings can be
provided in the support plate to allow steam to exit the housing interior. In
the present
embodiment, the support plate is provided with a plurality of openings
positioned in a
circular manner substantially in the center of the support plate. However,
other
configurations can be suitable regarding the position, number and size of the
openings.
In some embodiments, the support plate can be provided with a water-fill spout
configured
to allow water to be provided to the housing interior without having to remove
the support
plate from the housing. The water-fill spout can include a compartment
slidably connected
to the support plate and being configured to allow fluid communication with
the housing
interior. More specifically, the compartment can be operated in a closed
configuration
(Figure 2) and/or an open configuration (Figure 2a). It is noted that the
closed position can
be adapted to prevent any debris and/or unwanted material from entering and/or
mixing
with the water contained within the housing interior. It should thus be
understood that the
open position can allow water to be provided to the housing interior when
needed (e.g.,
when the water level indicator indicates a low water level).
Referring more particularly to Figure 3, the steam generating apparatus can be
integrated within the base component of the steaming system to facilitate
cooperation
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therewith. In some embodiments, the steam generating apparatus includes a
heating
element adapted to extend within the housing interior to heat the water
contained therein.
The heating element can be a protrusion extending from a bottom surface of the
housing
interior, substantially in the center thereof. It should be understood that
the plurality of
openings of the support plate can be adapted to be positioned substantially
above the
heating element to facilitate circulation of steam from the housing interior
to other
components of the steaming system, as will be described further below.
Moreover, it is
appreciated that other configuration of the heating element can be suitable in
the context
of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the steam generating
apparatus
can include more than one heating element cooperating with the base and/or
housing
interior. In this embodiment, the steam generating apparatus can be
selectively operated
via an actuator coupled to an adjustable timer located on the housing. It is
understood
that the adjustable timer can be adapted to control/determine an operation
time of the
heating element. In this embodiment, the heating element can be manually
operated for
a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour,
etc.).
Now referring to Figures 4a and 4b, in addition to Figures 1 a and lb, the
steaming
system can further comprise a steaming component adapted for containing food
to be
steamed. In some embodiments, the steaming component is operatively mountable
to the
base component and is provided with a steaming compartment which can be shaped
and
sized to contain a variety of food products (i.e. hot dogs, vegetables, etc.).
More
specifically, the steaming component has a bottom surface mountable on the
support
plate in order to be stacked on the base component. It is appreciated that the
support
plate can be provided with a flange (Figure 2) extending around a periphery
thereof to
allow the steaming component to rest thereon. In the present embodiment, the
steaming
system comprises two steaming components mountable on the base component, but
can
alternatively comprise a single steaming component, three steaming components,
or any
suitable number thereof.
As illustrated in Figures la and 1 b, the steaming system can be operated in a
steaming configuration where the steaming components are assembled (i.e.,
stacked on
the base component) and adapted to be in direct, or indirect fluid
communication with the
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base component, effectively allowing steam to circulate within each steaming
compartment. As seen in Figure 5, the bottom surface of the steaming
components can
be provided with one or more openings to allow circulation of steam. It should
thus be
understood that the steam can circulate within the steaming system (i.e., from
the base
component to the steaming components) from within, reducing loss of steam and
heat. In
some embodiments, the steaming components can include a main steaming
component
and at least one complementary steaming component. The main steaming component
can be mounted on the base component, as described above, and the
complementary
steaming component can be adapted to be mounted on the main steaming component
in
a similar manner.
In some embodiments, the complementary steaming component can be provided
with a removable lid adapted to prevent the steam from escaping. In this
embodiment, the
lid can be securely fastened to the corresponding steaming component via a
fastening
mechanism. As illustrated in the accompanying figures, the complementary
steaming
component can be provided with a plurality of locking clips adapted to
effectively lock the
lid in place when engaged. Alternatively, the locking clips can be provided
directly on the
removable lid to effectively engage the steaming component to secure the lid
thereto.
Other fastening and/or locking mechanisms can be used in order to fasten the
lid to the
steaming component, such as a sliding bolt, complementary protrusions and
apertures,
or any other suitable locking/fastening mechanisms. In the present embodiment,
the
removable lid can be provided with a top handle to facilitate transportation
of the
corresponding component. In some embodiments, the top handle can be operable
in a
retracted position and/or an extended position to accommodate a variety of
situations.
Still referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the steaming components can be provided
with
an access mechanism adapted to effectively allow access to the steaming
compartment
while the steaming components are stacked on the base (i.e., the steaming
system is in
the steaming configuration). In some embodiments, the access mechanism can be
an
access door provided on a sidewall of one of the steaming components. The
access door
can be opened while the steaming system is in the steaming configuration, thus
allowing
access to the food contained within the corresponding steaming compartment.
The
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access door can be made from a clear material configured to allow observation
of the food
from the outside without having to open the access door or disassembling the
steaming
system.
In some embodiments, the access mechanism can further include an access tray
operatively connected to the access door, configured to facilitate access to
the contents
of the steaming compartment. In some embodiments, the access tray can be
configured
to slide out of the steaming compartment when the access door is opened to
separate the
contents of the steaming compartment from the steam. It should thus be
appreciated that
the access tray can allow food (or other contents) to be provided to, or taken
from, the
steaming compartment without having to disassemble the steaming system. In a
possible
embodiment, the access tray can be configured to slide out of the access door
simultaneously as the access door is opened, therefore allowing access to the
contents
of the access tray in a single operation. For example, the access door can be
provided
with slidable hinges connected at one end to the access door, and at the other
end to the
access tray. As such, when the door pivots about the hinges at one end, the
other end
simultaneously slides forward, effectively displacing the access tray. In some
embodiments, the access tray can be removable from the steaming component to
facilitate transportation of the food located thereon. In the present
embodiment, the main
steaming component is provided with the access mechanism, as described above,
and
the complementary component is simply provided with a removable tray for
facilitating
removal of the contents. However, it should be appreciated that the
complementary
steaming component can be provided with the access mechanism instead, or that
each
steaming component can be respectively provided with the access mechanism.
Now referring to Figures 6a through 7b, the steaming system can be further
operated in a storage configuration where the components are disassembled and
stored
within one another. In some embodiments, each component of the steaming system
can
be smaller in size than the component stacked above it in the steaming
configuration.
More specifically, the base component can be smaller than the main steaming
component,
which is in turn smaller than the complementary steaming component. As such,
when in
the storage configuration, the components can be nested within each other for
a more
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compact storage. More specifically, the base component is nestable within the
main
steaming component, and the main steaming component is nestable within the
complementary steaming component. The removable lid can be fastened to the
complementary steaming component when the steaming system is in the storage
configuration to facilitate transportation and storage thereof.
While operating the steaming system, the bottom surface of the base component
can rest on a working surface, such as a table or counter. As such, debris
such as dust
and/or dirt can gather on the bottom surface which can then be transferred
within the
steaming components when storing the system. In some embodiments, to prevent
the dirt
and dust from being transferred to the steaming components, the handles of the
base
component can be adapted to abut against a top periphery of the main steaming
component, therefore preventing direct contact between the bottom surface the
interior of
the steaming components.
As mentioned above, the steaming system can be adapted for steaming a variety
of food, but is preferably adapted for steaming hot-dog sausages and hot-dog
buns. More
specifically, the main steaming component can be adapted to steam hot-dog
sausages
while the complementary steaming component, being larger than the main
steaming
component, can be adapted to steam hot-dog buns. Furthermore, it can be
preferable to
steam the buns in the uppermost (complementary) steaming component, further
away
from the source of the steam, in order to avoid "over-steaming" the buns,
making them
soggy, for example.
In this embodiment, when in the steaming configuration, the system can have an
overall height between about 0.2 and about 0.6m but preferably about 0.395m,
an overall
length between about 0.2 and about 0.6m but preferably about 0.375m, and an
overall
width between about 0.15 and about 0.4 meters but preferably about 0.25m.
Furthermore,
when in the storage configuration, the system can have an overall height
between about
0.1 and about 0.4m but preferably about 0.2m, an overall length between about
0.2 and
about 0.6m but preferably about 0.375m, and an overall width between about
0.15 and
about 0.4 meters but preferably about 0.25m. Being of smaller size in the
storage
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configuration effectively facilitates storage, but also facilitates
transportation of the
steaming system.
Furthermore, it should be understood that the steaming components of the
steaming system are made from a heat resistant material, preferably a
polymer/plastic
material. It should also be understood that said material is a material
suitable to contact
food. As such, in order to clean the components after use, any suitable soap
can be used,
or alternatively, the steaming components can be washed in a dishwasher.
Finally, the steaming system can be an electrical steaming system. More
specifically, the heating element of the steam generating apparatus can be
electrically
powered using a power chord plugged into a socket, as is well known in the
art.
Alternatively, power can be provided to the heating element via other methods,
such as
solar power, integrated battery(ies), manpower (turning a crank to power a
generator, for
example), or any other suitable means and/or methods.
List of numerical references for some of the corresponding possible components
illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
1. steaming system
3. base component
3a. housing
3b. housing interior
4. support plate
5. steam generating apparatus
6. heating element
7. steaming components
8. steaming compartment
9. bottom surface of steaming component
11.openings in steaming component
13. complementary steaming component
15. main steaming component
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17. removable lid
19. lid fastening mechanism
21.1ocking clip
23. lid top handle
27. adjustable timer
29. base handle
31.water level indicator
33.water refill spout
34. access mechanism
35. access door
37. access tray
39. removable tray
50. steaming configuration of the steaming system
60.storage configuration of the steaming system
The present steaming system may come in the form of a steaming system
including
one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or
different
possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof):
1. A steaming system for steaming food, the steaming system
comprising:
a base component adapted for receiving fluid therein, the base component being
adapted to cooperate with a steam generating apparatus configured to heat up
said fluid
to produce steam;
at least one steaming component comprising a steaming compartment adapted to
contain food to be steamed, the at least one steaming component (7) being
operatively
mounted on the base component (3) and being in fluid communication therewith;
the steaming system (1) being operable in a steaming configuration (50) where
the
components (3, 7) are stacked onto one another to allow circulation of steam
from the
base component to the steaming compartment (8), the steaming system (1) being
further
operable in a storage configuration (60) where the base component is contained
within
the steaming compartment (8).
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2. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the steaming component comprises a bottom surface (9) having at least
one
opening (11) to allow circulation of steam therethrough.
3. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the base component (3) comprises a support plate (4) adapted to
support the at
least one steaming component (7).
4. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the at least one steaming component is provided with a removable lid
(17).
5. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the removable lid (17) comprises a fastening mechanism (19) adapted to
secure
the lid to the at least one steaming component.
6. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the fastening mechanism (19) comprises at least one locking clip (21).
7. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the removable lid (17) is provided with a top handle (23).
8. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the top handle is operable between a retracted configuration and an
extended
configuration.
9. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the steam generating apparatus is integrated within the base component
and
comprises at least one heating element.
10. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
comprising an actuator for operating the heating element.
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11. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the actuator is an adjustable timer (27).
12. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the base component (3) is provided with at least one handle (29) to
facilitate
transportation thereof.
13. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the base component (3) is provided with a water level indicator (31).
14. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
further comprising at least one refill spout (33) adapted to allow fluid to be
provided to the
base component (3) while the steaming system (1) is in the steaming
configuration (50).
15. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the refill spout (33) comprises a slidable compartment operable in an
open and
closed configuration.
16. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the refill spout (33) is positioned on the support plate (4).
17. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the at least one steaming component (7) has an access mechanism
adapted to
allow access to the steamin compartment (8) while the steaming system (1) is
in the
steaming configuration (50).
18. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the access mechanism comprises an access door (35) located on a
sidewall of
the steaming component.
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19. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the access door (35) is made from a clear material adapted to allow
observation
of the steaming compartment from outside.
20. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the access mechanism further comprises an access tray (37) adapted to
slide out
of the at least one steaming compartment when the access door (35) is opened.
21. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein opening the access door simultaneously causes the access tray (37) to
slide out
of the steaming compartment.
22. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the access tray is removably connected to the steaming system.
23. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the at least one steaming component (7) includes a main steaming
component
(15) and at least one complementary steaming component (13), wherein when in
the
steaming configuration the main steaming component is adapted to be
operatively
mounted on the base component, and the at least one complementary steaming
component is adapted to be operatively mounted on the main steaming component
(15).
24. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein each component of the steaming system (1) is smaller than the
component
mountable above it in the steaming configuration.
25. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein each component of the steaming system is nestable within the component
mountable above it in the steaming configuration.
26. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the access mechanism is provided on the main steaming component (15).
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27. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the steaming compartment of each steaming component is shaped and
sized to
contain hot-dog sausages and/or hot-dog buns.
28. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
being adapted to steam and/or cook the sausages and buns simultaneously, in
separate
steaming components.
29. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein when in the steaming configuration (50), the system (1) has an overall
height
between about 0.2 and about 0.6m but preferably about 0.395m, an overall
length
between about 0.2 and about 0.6m but preferably about 0.375m, and an overall
width
between about 0.15 and about 0.4 meters but preferably about 0.25m.
30. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein when in the storage configuration (60), the system (1) has an overall
height
between about 0.1 and about 0.4m but preferably about 0.2m, an overall length
between
about 0.2 and about 0.6m but preferably about 0.375m, and an overall width
between
about 0.15 and about 0.4 meters but preferably about 0.25m.
31. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein each component of the steaming system is made from a heat-resistant
polymer/plastic material.
32. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the steaming system (1) is an electrically powered steaming system.
33. A steaming system according to any one of the preceding combination(s),
wherein the steaming system (1) is a portable steaming system.
As may now better be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial
improvement over the known prior art in that, by virtue of its design and
components, as
explained herein, and the particular configuration of the steaming system
and/or
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component(s)/accessory(ies) thereof according to the present system, it
enables to carry
out steaming operations of a variety of foods, especially, hot dogs (i.e.
sausages and
buns, etc.) in a more efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable,
more
adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more impactful, more strategic,
and/or more
desirable manner (ex. depending on the circumstances, and the intended
results, etc.),
compared to what is possible with respect to other known conventional steaming
systems
and/or methods.
Indeed, as previously explained, and depending on the different possible
embodiments, the present system advantageously enables to a) manufacture a
steaming
system capable of being operated in several configurations, including a
compact storage
configuration; b) add and remove food from within the steaming compartments
without
having to disassemble the steamer system; c) be operable without the use of a
stove for
boiling water into steam; and d) reduce manipulation time to convert the
steamer system
from the storage configuration to an operational, or steaming configuration.
Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the
scope
of the present invention should not be limited by the possible embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description
as a whole.
Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is
to be
understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that
various
changes and modifications could be made without departing from the scope and
spirit of
the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
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