Methods and Apparatus for Preparing Comestibles

Abstract

Provided are improved methods and apparatus for preparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. Embodiments of the disclosure provide a container for use in non-steam generating ovens comprising an interior space oriented along, and accessible from, the longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container. This and other features of the disclosed embodiments confer improved ease of use and safety when accessing the interior space of the container for loading or unloading the comestibles therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a container defining an interior space oriented along a longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container;   said container further comprising a first face at a proximal end of the container and a second face at a distal end of the container,
 wherein the first and second faces are substantially parallel to one another and define the limits of the container and internal space, 
 wherein the first and second faces are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container, 
 and wherein at least the first face is open to the interior space of the container; 
   (b) at least one lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container, thereby closing the interior space of the container to an exterior environment.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is used for preparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom surface of the container is substantially flat to provide a stable platform for the container while in use. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distal face of the container is closed to the external environment. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the container is comprised of a plurality of parts. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of parts comprises a base element and a cover element. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the base element and cover element are mechanically fastened to one another when in use. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container further comprises a rib extending from the face of the lid and generally disposed on a plane defined as perpendicular to the lid, and wherein the rib includes a horizontal component and a vertical component. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a flange element on an interior surface of the container that contacts the lid when the lid is engaged with the container. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container is coupled to the container by a hinge element. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising;
 (a) a container defining an interior space oriented along a longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container;   said container comprising a base and a cover;
 wherein the base comprises a substantially flat planar surface having a proximal end, a distal end, and two sides, and 
 wherein the cover is substantially conical and comprises a top, a proximal end, a distal wall, and two side walls; 
   said container further comprising a first face at a proximal end of the container and a second face at a distal end of the container,
 wherein the first and second faces are substantially parallel to one another and define the limits of the container and internal space, 
 wherein the first and second faces are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal, horizontal axis of the container, 
 and wherein at least the first face is open to the interior space of the container; 
   (b) at least one lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container, thereby closing the interior space of the container to an exterior environment.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus is used for preparing comestibles in conventional, non-steam generating ovens. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the cover contacts the base on the distal end and the two sides. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a ridge extending vertically from the surface of the base on the distal end and two sides. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a lip extending horizontally from the cover at the bottom of the distal wall and side walls. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container contacts a flange on an interior surface of the cover when engaged. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container comprises a rib disposed substantially perpendicular to a face of the lid, and extending both horizontally along a bottom side of the lid, and vertically from the bottom side of the lid to a top side of the lid. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the lid capable of engaging with the proximal face of the container is coupled to the container by a hinge element.