OVEN BAG HELPER

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for food preparation. More specifically, the present invention relates to new systems and methods for easy and safe insertion of a food item into a cooking bag.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The history of turkey preparation, particularly in North America, is closely tied to cultural traditions, technological developments, and evolving culinary techniques. Turkeys, native to the Americas, were first domesticated by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. Indigenous tribes often prepared turkeys by roasting them over an open flame or cooking them in clay ovens. When European settlers, especially the English Pilgrims, arrived in the early 1600s, they adopted turkey as a staple because it was plentiful and larger than most game birds, fitting well with their feasting traditions.

Roasting turkey became a central part of Thanksgiving celebrations, with early preparations involving stuffing the bird with bread, herbs, and vegetables, which were techniques derived from English cooking traditions. By the 19th and 20th centuries, advancements in kitchen appliances, particularly ovens, made turkey preparation more efficient, allowing for more even cooking and the development of recipes that included basting and seasoning for better flavor. The iconic “Thanksgiving turkey” emerged during this period, often accompanied by stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, influenced by Victorian-era dining customs.

In the mid-20th century, a significant innovation in turkey cooking was the introduction of oven bags. These heat-resistant, disposable bags were designed to trap moisture and steam during cooking, reducing the need for constant basting and shortening cooking times. Using a turkey oven bag became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as it ensured a juicier, more evenly cooked bird, while also simplifying cleanup. This method quickly gained popularity among home cooks, as it allowed for a tender and moist turkey without the risk of drying out the meat, a common issue in traditional roasting.

At the same time, new cooking methods like deep-frying and smoking turkeys emerged, offering alternatives to traditional roasting. Today, oven bags remain a convenient and widely used method for preparing turkey, along with modern cooking innovations such as sous vide, air-frying, and electric roasting. From early Indigenous methods to contemporary practices, the preparation of turkey has evolved to accommodate new technologies, with bags playing a key role in simplifying the process. Turkey preparation continues to be a symbol of communal feasting, particularly during Thanksgiving, blending centuries of tradition with modern conveniences.

Using an oven bag to prepare and cook a turkey is a method designed to retain moisture, enhance flavor, and simplify the cooking process. The oven bag, typically made of heat-resistant nylon, creates a sealed environment that traps steam and moisture as the turkey cooks, helping to prevent the bird from drying out. To begin, the turkey is seasoned according to preference—this may involve rubbing it with herbs, spices, butter, or oil. Some cooks also stuff the turkey cavity with vegetables, fruits, or stuffing to enhance flavor. Once the turkey is prepared, the oven bag is lightly coated with flour on the inside. This step is crucial because the flour helps prevent the bag from sticking to the turkey's skin and ensures even distribution of moisture inside the bag.

Next, the seasoned turkey is placed into the oven bag, which is then tied closed with the provided nylon tie or twist tie, leaving enough space for the bag to expand as it fills with steam. Small slits are cut in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape gradually, which prevents the bag from bursting during cooking. The turkey, now inside the bag, is placed in a large roasting pan with enough room to hold the bird and catch any drippings, which can later be used for making gravy.

The sealed environment of the bag helps the turkey cook faster than traditional open roasting because the steam created inside the bag circulates around the turkey, cooking it more evenly. This method eliminates the need for basting, as the bag continually bastes the turkey with its own juices. Typically, the turkey is roasted in a preheated oven at 325° F. to 350° F., depending on the bird's size. The cooking time is generally shorter than roasting without a bag—about 2 to 3 hours for an average-sized turkey.

Once the turkey reaches the appropriate internal temperature (165° F. in the breast and 175° F. in the thigh), the bag is carefully opened, and the turkey is allowed to rest for about 20 minutes. The oven bag method is popular because it produces a moist, flavorful turkey with a minimum of effort, and the bag reduces the mess, making cleanup easier. This cooking technique ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a perfectly roasted turkey, thanks to the moisture-locking properties of the oven bag.

While the above mentioned methods of preparing turkey and the like are well developed, there is a need for a new and improved tools to improve the process.

SUMMARY

In a first novel aspect, a bag holder comprises: a first vertical support; a second vertical support; a first horizontal support; a second horizontal support; a first bag attachment mechanism; and a first balancing support. The bag holder is configured to support a bag in an open position so that a user can insert an object into the bag.

In a second novel aspect, the bag holder further includes an attachment mechanism for securing the holder to a surface, with options including suction cups, clamps, or rubber feet for stability.

In a third novel aspect, the bag holder supports can be constructed from various materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, or composite materials, providing versatility in design and durability.

Further details and embodiments and techniques are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention.

The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder.

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder.

FIG. 3 is a front view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a bag.

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a bag.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder positioned in front of a turkey tray.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a turkey bag positioned in front of a turkey tray.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating the use of the new turkey bag holder to aid a user while inserting a turkey into a turkey bag.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating the use of the new turkey bag holder to aid a user while inserting a turkey into a turkey bag.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a turkey sealed inside of a turkey bag resting on a turkey tray.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the process of using the new turkey bag holder to bag a turkey.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to background examples and some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the description and claims below, relational terms such as “top”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” may be used to describe relative orientations between different parts of a structure being described, and it is to be understood that the overall structure being described can actually be oriented in any way in three-dimensional space.

FIG. 1 is a front view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder. The turkey bag holder illustrated in FIG. 1 consists of several key components designed to securely hold a bag in place during turkey preparation. The bag holder 1 provides the framework to support and hold a bag in position. Vertical support 1 and vertical support 2 stand upright, offering the primary structural support. These vertical supports are positioned on either side of the holder, ensuring stability and allowing the bag to remain suspended and open.

Connecting the vertical supports are horizontal supports 4 and 5. The upper horizontal support 4 connects to the top of the vertical support 2 and vertical support 3 and serves as the attachment point for the bag clips 8, which hold the bag open by securing its edges. The lower horizontal support 5 helps to reinforce the stability of the entire structure, ensuring that it remains sturdy during use.

At the base of the vertical supports are attaching mechanisms 6 and 7, which are likely suction cups or similar devices that fasten the holder to a surface, such as a countertop. These mechanisms prevent the holder from moving or slipping during the preparation process. The combination of these elements—the vertical and horizontal supports, bag clips, and attaching mechanisms—ensures that the bag is securely held open, allowing the user to easily place the turkey inside without assistance. This design makes turkey preparation more efficient and manageable. The attachment mechanism can be a suction cup, a clamp, a rubber foot, or a silicon adhesive.

The supports may be constructed of a metal material, a plastic material, a wood material, a faux wood material, a grass material such as bamboo, or a composite material.

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder. The side view illustrates the use of one or more balancing supports 7 and attachment mechanisms 8 to help support the bag holder in the third dimension. In this configuration, the vertical, horizontal, and balancing supports work together to keep the bag holder erect and sturdy in all directions.

In one embodiment, the balancing support is detachable for easy storage and cleaning of the bag holder. The balancing support may be detachable by a pin mechanism, screw mechanism, or a snap-fit mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a front view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a bag. The one ore more bag clips 8 can be used to secure a bag to the bag holder. A bag can be attached to the bag holder support in several versatile ways, depending on the design of the holder and the preferences of the user. One of the most common methods is using clips, which are fastened to the upper horizontal support and grip the edges of the bag securely, holding it open while the turkey is placed inside. Alternatively, hooks attached to the horizontal bar can be used, allowing the bag's handles or edges to be looped over them for a quick and effective attachment.

For more modern and flexible options, adhesive strips can be employed. These temporary sticky strips adhere to the bag and the support, providing a secure hold while still allowing easy removal when needed. Another option is using Velcro straps, which can be wrapped around the bag and the support. Velcro offers adjustability and strong fastening, making it convenient for different bag sizes and easy to open and close. Magnetic attachments are also possible for bag holders made of metal. The magnets can secure the bag to the holder by attaching it to the support, holding it in place with minimal effort.

These various methods—ranging from traditional clips and hooks to more innovative solutions like adhesive strips, Velcro, and magnets—allow users to choose the most efficient way to keep their bag open and stable throughout the turkey preparation process. This flexibility ensures a hands-free experience, making it easier to place and manage the turkey inside the bag.

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a bag. Once the bag is attached to the bag holder, the bag is able to extend back toward the balancing support above the surface where the bag holder is standing. When secured in this position, the bag opening is easily accessible and insertion of an object into the bag is easily achieved.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder positioned in front of a turkey tray. It is often desirable to place a turkey in a bag on top of a turkey tray when preparing a turkey. This scenario is illustrated in FIG. 5. The turkey tray is located on the surface just behind the horizontal and vertical supports.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a new turkey bag holder holding a turkey bag positioned in front of a turkey tray. Once the turkey tray is in position, the bag attached to the bag holder can be draped above and onto the turkey tray so that the turkey will be in the desired position upon insertion into the bag.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view diagram illustrating the use of the new turkey bag holder to aid a user while inserting a turkey into a turkey bag. As illustrated, the bag holder allows an individual user to easily use both hands to place a turkey into the bag. Without the turkey bag holder, a user needs to handle the bag with one hand while handling the turkey with their other hand. Manually handling the bag and the turkey contemporaneously is problematic. First, the turkey can easily be dropped when held by a single hand due to its size, weight, texture, and slippery seasoning. Second, a bag can be difficult to open and maintain in a fixed position when holding the bag with just one hand. Moreover, insertion of the turkey into the bag with a single hand can cause the outer surface of the bag to come into contact with the turkey and thereby contaminate the exterior surface of the bag. Further, handling of the turkey by a single hand may cause the turkey to be dropped on the floor or other unsanitary surface. These issues are resolved by use of the new bag holder described herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view diagram illustrating the use of the new turkey bag holder to aid a user while inserting a turkey into a turkey bag. Once the turkey is inserted into the bag, the user can disconnect the bag from the bag holder and then use both hands to easily close the bag.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating a turkey sealed inside of a turkey bag resting on a turkey tray. Once the bag is sealed with the turkey in side, the bag holder can be removed, and the user is left with a nicely sealed bag around the turkey ready for cooking. The bag may be sealed in many different ways. There are several effective ways to seal a bag when preparing and cooking a turkey. One of the most common methods is using twist ties, which are often included with cooking bags. These ties wrap around the gathered top of the bag, securely closing it while still allowing for some adjustability in tightness. Another popular method is using heat-resistant nylon ties, which can be cinched tightly to seal the bag and keep the contents secure during cooking. Zipper seals, like those found on resealable plastic bags, are another option, providing a convenient and airtight seal for smaller cooking bags designed with this feature. For a more traditional approach, some users opt for folding and tucking the bag's opening under itself or securing it with folding clips, which hold the bag closed through mechanical pressure. Heat sealing is also an option for certain bags made of heat-sealable material; this method involves using a heat source to melt and fuse the bag's opening, creating an airtight and durable seal. Additionally, Velcro strips can be used to press the edges of the bag together, forming a secure yet easy-to-open closure. These various sealing methods ensure that the bag remains tightly closed, locking in moisture and flavor while cooking a turkey FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram illustrating the process of using the new turkey bag holder to bag a turkey. First, at step 60, the bag holder is attached to a stable surface using mechanisms such as suction cup feet or counter clips. Next, in step 61, the bag is secured to the bag holder using clips, hooks, adhesive, or other fastening methods, ensuring it remains open and accessible. At step 62, the turkey is carefully placed inside the bag while it is held open by the bag holder. Once the turkey is in place, step 63 involves disconnecting the bag from the bag holder. Then, at step 64, the bag is tied to completely enclose the turkey. The final step, 65, is to remove the bagged turkey from the setup, ready for the next stages of cooking or preparation, which might include roasting or perhaps another preparation suitable for a festive gathering.

While the bag holder illustrated in the figures utilize two horizontal supports and two vertical supports, one skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, will readily appreciate the additional horizontal supports or additional vertical supports may be utilized for various embodiments of the presently claimed invention. Moreover, the number of balancing supports may vary depending on the use case as well.

In one embodiment, the length of the various supports are adjustable. The support length adjustability can be accomplished by use of a locking pin, a clamp or a screw that holds the support mechanism together at the desired length. Support length adjustability is provided so to allow for use with various sizes of bags.

It is also disclosed herein that a support that encloses an area can be used to perform the functions of the disclosed horizontal and vertical supports. For example, an oval, circular, or triangular shaped support may be used and connected to a balancing support. In this embodiment, the bag clips would be connected to the oval, circular, or triangular support to hold the bag in position. Moreover, the oval, circular, or triangular shaped supports can be adjustable so that the area enclosed in the shape of the support is adjustable so to allow for use with various sizes of bags.

While the description above describes the use of the bag holder in the contact of preparing a turkey, the bag holder can be used for any item that needs to be placed in a bag, such as, but not limited to meat and poultry. It is also noted, that the adjustable settings of the various supports allows for support of various bag sizes, which in turn allow use with various amounts of the item being placed into the bag. For example, the item put into the bag can be a meat or poultry item weight 8 pounds, 24 pounds, or any other weight therewithin.

Although certain specific embodiments are described above for instructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.