Steam ventilation system

• US 8,469,219 B1
• Filed: 06/24/2008
• Issued: 06/25/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert J. Henry
• Original Assignee: Robert J. Henry
• Inventors: Henry, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stashick, Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCKINLEY, CHRISTOPHER BRIAN
• Application Number:
  US12/145,260
• Time in Patent Office: 1,827 Days
• Field of Search: 220/367.1, 220/368, 220/373, 220/374, 220/369, 220/288, 220/254.1, 220/254.2
• US Class Current: 220/367.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/027 Cooking- or baking-vessels specially adapted for use in microwave ovens; Accessories therefor

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a steam ventilation system for providing an easy way to release steam from a container.

Claims

1. A steam ventilation system comprising:

(a) a container having container lid;

(b) a round plate having a raised lip around an outer circumference of the plate, wherein the round plate comprises a plurality of apertures disposed therein, wherein the round plate is centrally disposed in the container lid;

(c) a cylindrical top member having a top end and a bottom end, wherein a handle is disposed at the top end and a plurality of sharp-tipped protrusions is disposed on the bottom end, wherein the sharp-tipped protrusions are adapted to be inserted into the apertures disposed on the round plate; and

(d) a plate cover having a flat top, a flat bottom, and a side rim, wherein the side rim of the plate cover is adapted to be attached to the raised tip of the round plate.

2. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sharp-tipped protrusions are tubular.

3. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the top member is between about 1 to 5 inches in diameter.

4. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the top member is between about 5 to 10 inches in diameter.

5. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the steam ventilation system is adapted to be used with a microwavable storage container, a liquid heating device, a cup, or a combination thereof.

6. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the plate cover comprises a strap protruding from the side of the plate cover.

7. The steam ventilation system of claim 6, wherein the strap comprises an attachment means.

9. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the apertures are circular.

10. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the round plate is between about 1 to 5 inches in diameter.

11. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the round plate is between about 5 to 10 inches in diameter.

12. The steam ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the sharp-tipped protrusions of the top member are adapted to be effective for puncturing through a plastic lid of a storage container.

8. A steam ventilation system consisting of:

(a) a container having a container lid;

(b) a round plate having a raised lip around an outer circumference of the plate, wherein the round plate comprises a plurality of apertures disposed therein, wherein the round plate is centrally disposed in the container lid;

(c) a cylindrical top member having a top end and a bottom end, wherein a handle is disposed at the top end and a plurality of sharp-tipped protrusions is disposed on the bottom end, wherein the sharp-tipped protrusions are adapted to be inserted into the apertures disposed on the round plate; and

(d) a plate cover having a flat top, a flat bottom, and a side rim, wherein the side rim of the plate cover is adapted to be attached to the raised tip of the round plate.