Foldable ovenware container and method of production

Abstract

A foldable or collapsible ovenware container that maintains a rigid shape while in use and can be folded into a smaller size for storage. The ovenware container includes rigid top and bottom portions separated by a flexible middle portion. The flexible middle portion includes thick and thin wall sections. Pressure applied to the top portion causes the flexible middle portion to collapse in an orderly manner toward the bottom portion, with the middle portion folding at each of the thin wall sections to create a plurality of folds or pleats in the middle portion in the collapsed configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to ovenware containers and particularly to an ovenware container that includes an elastomeric portion that enables the container to be folded or collapsed when not in use to enable easy and more efficient storage.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional ovenware containers are usually of rigid structure and are typically constructed of metal, ceramics, or glass such as Pyrex®. Most kitchens, commercial and residential, typically stock a large range of types and sizes of ovenware containers in order to be prepared for the myriad cooking tasks that are encountered.[0003]Conventional ovenware containers, as a result of their rigid construction, typically occupy a significant amount of space in the kitchen. All kitchens, especially residential kitchens that are typically limited in space, would benefit from ovenware containers that occupy less space when not in use.[0004]Recently, non-rigid or soft ovenware containers have b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013](6) An ovenware container constructed entirely of silicone rubber according to the present invention can be used in microwave ovens.

[0014]These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional ovenware containers, as a result of their rigid construction, typically occupy a significant amount of space in the kitchen.

Although soft ovenware containers can be flexed or bent into a smaller size to conserve space, they have the disadvantage that they must be supported by a rigid pan or similar object for stability when lifted or transported from one area to another.

Soft silicone is not practical for large ovenware containers having deep sides or including a large volume as the soft sides lack rigidity and, when filled with a liquid or semi-liquid food such as cake batter, can buckle or have the sides deflect and cause spillage of the contents.

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