EP0294087A2 - Popcorn-Verpackung, die zum Einsatz in einen Mikrowellenofen und als Servierschale geeignet ist - Google Patents

Popcorn-Verpackung, die zum Einsatz in einen Mikrowellenofen und als Servierschale geeignet ist Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0294087A2
EP0294087A2 EP88304722A EP88304722A EP0294087A2 EP 0294087 A2 EP0294087 A2 EP 0294087A2 EP 88304722 A EP88304722 A EP 88304722A EP 88304722 A EP88304722 A EP 88304722A EP 0294087 A2 EP0294087 A2 EP 0294087A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bag
seal
corn kernels
package according
paper
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP88304722A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0294087A3 (de
Inventor
Gerald J. Winter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nabisco Brands Inc
Original Assignee
Nabisco Brands Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nabisco Brands Inc filed Critical Nabisco Brands Inc
Publication of EP0294087A2 publication Critical patent/EP0294087A2/de
Publication of EP0294087A3 publication Critical patent/EP0294087A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
    • B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D81/3461—Flexible containers, e.g. bags, pouches, envelopes
    • B65D81/3469—Pop-corn bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2205/00—Venting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2581/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3401—Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package
    • B65D2581/3402—Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package characterised by the type of product to be heated or cooked
    • B65D2581/3421—Cooking pop-corn
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2581/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3437—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D2581/3486—Dielectric characteristics of microwave reactive packaging
    • B65D2581/3494—Microwave susceptor

Definitions

  • Such snacks are traditionally prepared either by pouring kernels of corn into a screen-like container suspended over an open fire, by placing kernels in a covered pan positioned on an operating kitchen stove burner, or by placing kernels in an enclosure having electrical resistance heating elements and passing current through the electrical resistance heating elements. With any of these techniques, the kernels are heated until they pop. Although these ways of popping corn have been widely used, a more convenient and faster method of preparing popcorn has long been sought. In addition, it has been desired to pop corn in a container which need not be cleaned but can instead be thrown away after use.
  • microwaves heat materials selectively. Those materials that absorb microwaves (i.e. lossy materials) are heated by microwaves, while materials which reflect microwaves or are transparent to them are not greatly heated. Many foods are very effectively heated by microwaves, because they contain moisture which is very lossy. Consequently, microwaves are absorbed by moisture within the foods which causes the foods to be rapidly heated.
  • This understanding of the technical basis for microwave heating has found application in preparing popcorn. Specifically, it has been discovered that moisture within the kernels of corn can be heated as they absorb microwaves. As the moisture within the kernels is heated, it vaporizes and eventually causes the kernels to pop.
  • U.S. Design Patent Nos. 255,535 and 255,536 disclose an ornamentally-designed appliance for preparing popcorn with microwaves. Although such durable appliances have found utility in preparing popcorn with microwaves, they are relatively expensive and, therefore, cannot be thrown away after use. Instead, such appliances must be cleaned for reuse.
  • An alternative to durable appliances are cardboard containers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,036,423 to Gordon, U.S. Patent No. 4,038,425 to Brandenberg et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,248,901 to Austin, U.S. Patent No. 4,260,101 to Webinger, U.S. Patent No. 4,277,506 to Austin, U.S. Patent No. 4,279,933 to Austin et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,448,309 to Roccaforte et al, U.S. Patent No. 4,453,665 to Roccaforte ("Roccaforte '665"), U.S. Patent No.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,582,363 to Jones discloses the use of a cellophane bag for packaging microwaveable popcorn, while the more routinely-used paper bags are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,851,574 to Katz et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,973,045 to Brandenberg et al, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,461,031 and 4,493,685 both to Blamer, and U.S. Patent No. 4,596,713 to Burdette.
  • Such bags conventionally include a pair of closed ends between which a front panel, a back panel, and side panels connecting the front and back panels extend.
  • the bags On the front or back panel, the bags have a seal extending between the ends which is formed by bonding together side edge surfaces of a web of material from which the bags are made. In making this bond, the web is transformed into an elongate tube which is transversely cut into shorter tubes and then closed at one end to form bags.
  • the bags are then filled with the requisite ingredients through the open end of the bag. This open end of the bag is then sealed usually through the application of heat and pressure which cause a layer of adhesive material on the inside of the bag to adhere to itself.
  • Such bags can be either of the stand-up or lay-down type.
  • the bags used to package the corn kernels will expand, and, when a predetermined internal bag pressure is reached, one end of the bag will open to permit venting. After popping has terminated, the end of the bag where venting took place can be fully opened to enable the consumer either to eat popcorn right out of the bag or to pour it from the bag into a serving bowl.
  • U.S. Patent Nos. 4,450,180 and 4,548,826 to Watkins and Japanese Patent No. 60234562 to Golden Valley Foods (all collectively referred to hereafter as the "Golden Valley Foods patents") reduce the percentage of unpopped kernels by utilizing a bag having gussets of different sizes which form 2 tubes of different size. The popcorn and oil or shortening are added only to the smaller tube which rests on the oven floor.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,283,427 to Winters et al incorporates in food cartons (rather than bags) a chemical susceptor pouch containing a combination of a solute of inorganic salts of Group IA and IIA metals and a polar solvent for the solute. Initially, the susceptor pouch absorbs microwaves, but, when the food being heated reaches a certain maximum temperature, the susceptor pouch becomes transparent to microwaves to avoid scorching.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,571,337 to Cage et al (“Cage”) prevents popped kernels from becoming chewy by utilizing a stand-up bag having a top which is heat-sealed so that a central portion of the top remains closed until opened by a predetermined pressure within the bag.
  • Cage takes advantage of the existence of only two layers (i.e. the front panel and the back panel) along the center strip at the top of the bag to create a relatively weak seal at the center strip compared to the seal at the rest of the top of the bag where front and bottom panels are aligned with the gussetted side panels to form four layers (i.e. the front panel, the back panel, and the two portions of the gussetted side panel).
  • McHam prevents the staining of paper bags by providing a synthetic resin layer on the interior of the bag.
  • the interior of Cage's bag is also provided with an inner layer of a polyester film to prevent staining.
  • McHam also discloses a bagged, microwave popcorn product with a serving feature which is achieved by subjecting the bags to an additional manufacturing step of perforating the bag. After popping has terminated, the bag can be torn open along the perforations to transform the bag into a serving container.
  • the perforations also serve a pressure relief function.
  • Such packages are, however, more expensive due to the additional manufacturing step.
  • the perforations are susceptible to weakening or breaking during shipment which will change venting characteristics or risk spoilage of the bag contents due to exposure to the atmosphere.
  • corn kernels can be popped with microwaves in a bag which can function as a serving bowl after popping to avoid the problems of serving popcorn from end-venting bags. Further, it has been found that such a serving bowl feature can be incorporated in bags without modification or additions to the structure of existing bags, without risking spillage of the popcorn ingredients, without subjecting the consumer to the risk of burns, and yet achieving precise and uniform venting. In addition, flavorants or other additives can be more easily distributed over popped corn through the open back seal.
  • any unopened portion of the venting panel seal is weak enough to be pulled fully open by a consumer with his hands and without tearing the bag elsewhere. As the panel seal is fully opened, hot vapor will escape through this widening opening without risk of burning the consumers' hands which are placed away from the panel when it is being opened. In opening the bag, a portion of it previously forming the panel seal and now defining the opening rises upwardly to confine the popcorn. Although the panel seal permits venting during kernel popping and opening during transformation to a serving bowl, the seal has sufficient strength to remain closed during shipment, handling, and preliminary stages of corn popping.
  • the microwave popcorn product according to the present invention can be constructed to vent through one of the ends of the bag. After popping is complete, the bag's back seal can be pulled open to transform the bag into a serving bowl.
  • the benefits achieved with the package of the present invention are further enhanced by preparing the bag from a laminate having an outer layer of paper, an inner layer of greaseproof paper, and a susceptor such as a layer of metallized and selectively demetallized polyester film between the inner and outer layers only at the portion of the bag which will rest on the floor of the microwave oven.
  • a susceptor such as a layer of metallized and selectively demetallized polyester film between the inner and outer layers only at the portion of the bag which will rest on the floor of the microwave oven.
  • Other similar laminations such as, an outer paper layer with an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymeric barrier material could also be utilized.
  • a susceptor will preferably still be employed inside the paper layer and the layer of polymeric barrier material will be polyester or the like.
  • microwave popcorn product of the present invention is prepared generally in accordance with conventional procedures.
  • the polyester film is metallized and then selectively demetallized so that the percentage of light transmission of the metallized film is 35-75%, preferably 50-65%.
  • the three webs of material are then joined together by conventional techniques to produce a laminate having two layers (i.e. paper and greaseproof paper) in some locations and three layers (i.e. paper, metallized and selectively demetallized polyester film, and greaseproof paper) in other locations.
  • a layer of a thermoplastic polymeric material can be utilized. In such cases, a similar lamination procedure would be utilized.
  • the laminate is then folded and sealed along its length by conventional techniques to produce a tubular web which can then be cut into tubular segments of smaller length.
  • conventional techniques can be carried out by utilizing conventional bag making machines, such as those made by Holweg S.A. and Windmoeller & Hoelscher GmbH. With such equipment, the strength of the longitudinally-extending panel seal can be adjusted by varying the sealing pressure or temperature and/or the amount or composition of adhesive used.
  • each of the tubular segments is then sealed in a conventional manner.
  • heat and pressure can be applied to the end of the bag so that an adhesive material coated on the interior of the tube at this end will bond the tube walls together at this location.
  • the sealed end of the tube can then be folded across the bag and against either the front or back panel with an adhesive material being applied to maintain this fold.
  • liquified oil or shortening mixed with salt and optionally coloring and/or flavoring can be injected into the bag.
  • Coloring, flavoring e.g. butter flavoring, brown sugar flavoring, caramel flavoring, maple flavoring, cheese flavoring alone or with jalapeno, nacho, or pizza spices, barbeque flavoring, meat flavoring, and mixtures thereof
  • salt can also be added to the bag. If a lay-down bag is utilized, it is preferred to maintain these injected materials at a location substantially equidistant from the ends of the bag. This is achieved by again folding the sealed end of the bag across the front or back panel of the bag.
  • the bag can be folded anywhere between 25% to 40% of the distance between the ends of the bag. Instead of folding prior to filling, the bag can be clamped at a location during filling and folded later. After these ingredients are injected into the bag, the hot liquified oil or shortening will cool and solidify with the corn kernels and other ingredients.
  • the open end of the bag is closed like the other end of the bag.
  • heat and pressure may be applied to the open end of the bag to cause an adhesive material coated on the interior walls of the tube to bond the walls together.
  • This end can then be folded across the bag and against the front or back panel with an adhesive material being applied to maintain this fold. By sealing the ends in this manner, the panel seal will open to effect venting, while the ends will remain closed.
  • the top of the bag is folded over the front or back panel so that a compact package is produced.
  • the top end of the bag can be folded between 25% to 40% of the distance between the ends of the bag depending on how the bottom end is folded.
  • a plastic pouch made from a material conventionally utilized for such purposes (e.g. polypropylene film with a heat seal layer coated on or coextruded on one or two surfaces).
  • the product's shelf life can be enhanced by freezing the packaged product.
  • compositions of the ingredients injected into the bag of the present invention are set forth in Table 1 (natural flavor formulation) and Table 2 (butter flavored formulation).
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the back panel 18 of an unfilled bag 10 in accordance with the present invention and having panel seal 28 opened.
  • bag 10 is provided with a front panel 16 and a pair of inwardly-folded gussetted side panels 20 all of which extend between an open top end 12 and sealed bottom end 14.
  • Bottom end 14 is folded over and bonded with an adhesive to back panel 18 at bottom seal 22.
  • the gussetted side panels 20 extend inwardly towards each other between front panel 16 and back panel 18; however, a center strip 24 of front panel 16 and back panel 18 lies between the inner-most points of the gussetted side panels 20.
  • bottom seal 22 (and top seal 46 which is discussed below) an adhesive is applied to both surfaces of the bag so that when top end 12 and bottom end 14 are folded over and sealed, a seal is formed at both the interior and exterior of the bag to insure that these ends of the bag remain sealed.
  • the adhesive is dried, so that it is not activated until contacted with heat for sealing.
  • FIG. 2 is a top view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
  • bag 10 is formed from two layers--an outer paper layer 38 and an inner layer of greaseproof paper 40.
  • Front panel 16 is additionally provided with a susceptor 36 between outer and inner paper layers 38 and 40, respectively.
  • Susceptor 36 may be formed from a metallized and selectively demetallized polyester film. Although a wide variety of metals and polyester films can be used to produce susceptor 36, the preferred polyester film is polyethylene terephthalate, while the metal is preferably aluminum. Alternatively, if a bag formed from paper with an inner layer of polyester film is utilized, the metallic portion of the susceptor can be stainless steel or blends of metals.
  • the susceptor can also be applied in the form of a metallized polyester film bonded to paper or paperboard which is cut to a desired size and placed between layers of paper or other laminating materials.
  • a susceptor material can be printed on one of the paper layers or on another laminating material.
  • back seal 28 is formed by bonding first back seal surface 30 and second back seal surface 32 with an adhesive 34.
  • back seal 28 is formed by bonding together the inner layers of grease­ proof paper 40 of the first and second back seal surfaces 30 and 32.
  • the strength of back seal 28 can be adjusted by varying the composition or the amount of adhesive.
  • the adhesive is preferably a thermoplastic, polymeric material such as a vinyl acetate emulsion.
  • the amount of glue is adjusted to modify the width of the band of adhesive 34 such that a narrower band of adhesive permits venting at a lower pressure than a wider band of adhesive.
  • Figure 3 is a partial top view of a less preferred embodiment of an unfilled bag in accordance with the present invention having an open panel seal 328.
  • Back seal 328 is formed by bonding first back seal surface 330 and second back seal surface 332 with an adhesive 334.
  • outer paper layer 338 of the first back seal surface 330 is bonded to the inner greaseproof paper layer 340 of second back seal surface 332.
  • Figure 4 is a partial top view of another embodiment of an unfilled bag in accordance with the present invention having the panel seal opened and showing an inner layer of polymeric material 442.
  • Back seal 428 like the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, is formed by bonding the inner surfaces of first back seal surface 430 and second back seal surface 432 together.
  • the bag which is formed from a laminate comprising a layer of paper 438 and an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymeric barrier material 442 is provided with a back seal 428 by bonding the layers of barrier material 442 for the first back seal surface 430 and the second back seal surface 432 together with heat and pressure.
  • paper layer 438 need not be greaseproof
  • the layer of polymeric barrier material 442 is a polyester film laminated on the paper so that the paper and polyester bond together.
  • the laminate of Figure 4 can be sealed generally in the manner shown in Figure 3 with either the layer of polymeric barrier material 442 of first back seal surface 430 being bonded to the paper layer 438 of second back seal surface 432 or with the layer of polymeric barrier material 442 of second back seal surface 432 being bonded to the paper layer 438 of first back seal surface 430.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front panel of an unfilled bag in accordance with the present invention having an open back panel seal.
  • susceptor 36 is positioned within a portion of front panel 16.
  • the ratio of the width of susceptor 36 across bag 10 to its length extending partially between top end 12 and bottom end 14 is generally about 1:1.0 to 1:1.4, preferably about 1.0 to 1.15.
  • Front panel 16 and back panel 18 have a width across top end 12 which is generally about 1.3 to 1.5 and preferably about 1.4 times as large as the width of each of the gussetted side panels 20 folded into bag 10.
  • Figures 1-5 show a bag with an open back panel seal, this is merely for purposes of illustration; by the time the bag is produced, back seal 28 has long since been closed.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bag in accordance with the present invention having one sealed end and being filled with corn kernels and oil or shortening
  • Figure 7 shows a top cross-sectional view of the bag shown in Figure 6 taken along line 7-7.
  • the bottom of bag 10 Prior to filling with corn kernels 42 and oil or shortening 44, the bottom of bag 10 is folded across the bag against either front panel 16 or back panel 18 so that these ingredients do not fall to the bottom of the bag.
  • back seal 28 is formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment where the inner paper layers 40 of first back seal surface 30 and second back seal surface 32 are bonded with an adhesive 34.
  • side panels 20 are inwardly folded and gussetted such that front panel 16 and the inwardly-folded portion of each gussetted side panel adjacent front panel 16 define a longitudinal extending tube equal to that defined by back panel 18 and the inwardly-folded portion of each gussetted side panel adjacent back panel 18.
  • bag 10 is substantially filled cross-sectionally with corn kernels 42 and oil or shortening 44.
  • FIG 8 is a perspective view of a lay-down bag 10 filled with corn kernels and oil or shortening having both ends sealed.
  • Top end seal 46 is formed in a manner similar to that of bottom seal 22 by folding top end 12 across panel 18 and adhesively bonding them together with top seal 46.
  • top end 12 (as well as bottom end 14) can be closed by heating and pressing front and back panels 16 and 18 together to bond together the interior surfaces at top end 12.
  • Top end 12 can then be folded across panel 18 and then bonded together.
  • the top end inner surfaces can be caused to adhere to one another by application of an adhesive to the surfaces or by providing the bag with an inner layer of polymeric material which adheres to itself upon application of heat and pressure, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the filled bag 10 shown in Figure 8 not only has a lower folded end 47 but also an upper folded end 49 folded toward back panel 18.
  • Lower folded end 47 and an upper folded end 49 can, for compact packaging and shipping, be folded over the portion of bag 10 containing unpopped corn kernels 42 and oil or shortening 44 which are generally equidistant from ends 12 and 14.
  • the bag In this folded position, the bag can be frozen and/or sealed within a pouch (not shown) of plastic (e.g. polypropylene film) to increase the shelf life of the product.
  • plastic e.g. polypropylene film
  • the sealed bag filled with corn kernels, solidified shortening or oil, etc. is placed on floor 50 of microwave oven 48.
  • the bag is positioned with front panel 16 which contains susceptor 36 closest to the oven floor 50.
  • lower folded end 47 and upper folded end 49 are spread apart from the portion of the bag containing the corn kernels 42 and solidified shortening or oil 44.
  • the door (not shown) of microwave oven 48 is closed, and the microwave oven is turned on for approximately 5 minutes.
  • the kernels then begin to pop as a result of moisture within each kernel vaporizing. This evaporation of moisture causes the bag to expand such that back panel 18 moves upwardly away from front panel 16.
  • inwardly-folded gussetted side panels 20 move outwardly so that each of the folded parts comprising each gusset move apart.
  • the bag can rest on an elevated support provided as an accessory to the oven or as an element of the packaging.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of a bag in accordance with the present invention containing popped corn 56, while Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of Figure 10 taken along line 11-11.
  • the evaporation of moisture causes the corn kernels to pop, and the evaporated moisture expands bag 10.
  • Such expansion causes the pressure within bag 10 to increase until it forces panel seal 28 to open.
  • the bag will open at a pressure of 2.5 to 4.5 inches of water, preferably 3.4 inches of water.
  • the rupture of panel seal 28 where first and second back seal surfaces 30 and 32 are bonded together creates back seal opening 52 through which vapors V from within the bag escape.
  • bottom seal 22 and top seal 46 have remained closed, because they are stronger than was back seal 28.
  • Back panel 18 is provided with a pair of bag opening tabs 54 which are displaced from bag seal opening 52.
  • a squeezing force S is applied at these tabs as well as the corresponding portions of side panels 20 and a tensile force P of 2.75 to 8.00 pounds, preferably 4.50 pounds, is then exerted, any unopened portion of back seal 28 is opened so that back seal opening 52 is widened.
  • a tensile force P of 2.75 to 8.00 pounds, preferably 4.50 pounds
  • FIG 12 is a perspective view of bag 10 in accordance with the present invention having popped corn kernels and being opened up by a consumer.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates, when a consumer places his thumbs T on these tabs and his index fingers I against side panels 20 beneath these tabs, squeezes bag 10 between his thumbs and index fingers, and pulls them apart with tensile force P, opening 52 widens as a result of first and second back seal surfaces 30 and 32 being pulled apart. As pulling continues, the upper edges of these back sealing surfaces rise from position 30′ to 30 and from position 32′ to 32, respectively, to confine popcorn 56 and to prevent spillage. Although vapors V continue to escape from opening 52, the consumer has little or no risk of burning his hands due to their distance from opening 52.
  • top end 12 can be allowed to open during popping, as is done conventionally, to permit bag 10 to vent.
  • back seal 28 which remained closed during popping, is pulled opened as shown in Figure 12, to transform the bag into a serving bowl.
  • Such venting of top end 12 would be effected by heat sealing the ends with adhesive material inside the bag and without folding or further sealing that end.
  • the longitudinal back seal would be formed to open with a tearing force of 2.75 to 8.00 pounds, preferably 4.50 pounds.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Grain Derivatives (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
EP88304722A 1987-06-05 1988-05-25 Popcorn-Verpackung, die zum Einsatz in einen Mikrowellenofen und als Servierschale geeignet ist Withdrawn EP0294087A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5894487A 1987-06-05 1987-06-05
US58944 1987-06-05

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0294087A2 true EP0294087A2 (de) 1988-12-07
EP0294087A3 EP0294087A3 (de) 1989-06-07

Family

ID=22019867

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88304722A Withdrawn EP0294087A3 (de) 1987-06-05 1988-05-25 Popcorn-Verpackung, die zum Einsatz in einen Mikrowellenofen und als Servierschale geeignet ist

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0294087A3 (de)
JP (1) JPS63317464A (de)
AU (1) AU1739188A (de)
DK (1) DK304988A (de)
NO (1) NO882443L (de)

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0429604A1 (de) * 1989-06-20 1991-06-05 James River Corporation Of Virginia Doppelbehälter zum mikrowellenerwärmen von lebensmitteln
EP0431292A2 (de) * 1989-11-23 1991-06-12 4P Verpackungen Ronsberg GmbH Folienartige Materialkombination
US5098364A (en) * 1990-03-26 1992-03-24 Pactec, Inc. Waste container liner and method for manufacturing same
US5110005A (en) * 1990-03-26 1992-05-05 Pactec, Inc. Waste container liner
US5441345A (en) * 1991-12-09 1995-08-15 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Specialized pouches for containing and controllably dispensing product
US5741208A (en) * 1996-10-15 1998-04-21 Industrial Transportation, Inc. Environmental container liner and method of manufacture
US5746862A (en) * 1995-10-26 1998-05-05 Super Sack Mfg. Corp. Method of making a liner for roll-off waste containers
WO1999019233A1 (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-22 Hunt-Wesson, Inc. Microwave popcorn preparation and serving package
WO1999020542A1 (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-04-29 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
GB2337977A (en) * 1998-06-04 1999-12-08 Hunt Wesson Inc Expandible package containing popcorn kernels
US6066346A (en) * 1997-10-20 2000-05-23 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
WO2001005678A1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-25 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, flexible microwave package
GB2374857A (en) * 2001-04-23 2002-10-30 Sun A Kaken Co Ltd Pouch to contain food during heating
GB2379647A (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-19 Eatwell Packaged food product
US6660983B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2003-12-09 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
US6733807B2 (en) 1999-07-15 2004-05-11 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
US6746700B1 (en) 2001-09-19 2004-06-08 Land O'lakes, Inc. Caramel corn product and a method of making the caramel corn product
EP1960281A1 (de) * 2005-12-14 2008-08-27 M & Q Plastic Products, Inc. Belüftungsbeutel mit hoher temperatur
EP2644526A1 (de) * 2012-03-29 2013-10-02 Ludger Fuest Beutel für Mikrowellenöfen, insbesondere zur Aufnahme von Lebensmitteln
CN103863672A (zh) * 2012-12-07 2014-06-18 上海艾录纸包装有限公司 具有超大面积热熔胶的热封口纸袋
CN111685156A (zh) * 2020-07-17 2020-09-22 长沙绝艺食品有限公司 一种鸭脖剃肉自动化切割装置
US10926937B1 (en) * 2017-12-27 2021-02-23 Paul A. Olson Leak-resistant food package products and methods therefor

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JP4256195B2 (ja) * 2003-04-07 2009-04-22 大日本印刷株式会社 電子レンジ調理用紙袋
JP6246485B2 (ja) * 2013-04-11 2017-12-13 株式会社 西村 包装袋及び包装袋を閉じる方法
WO2017109237A1 (es) * 2015-12-23 2017-06-29 Dode, S.A. Bolsa para cocción de granos de maiz en microondas

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Cited By (38)

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EP0429604A1 (de) * 1989-06-20 1991-06-05 James River Corporation Of Virginia Doppelbehälter zum mikrowellenerwärmen von lebensmitteln
EP0429604A4 (en) * 1989-06-20 1993-05-12 James River Corporation Of Virginia Microwavable double-bag food container
EP0431292A2 (de) * 1989-11-23 1991-06-12 4P Verpackungen Ronsberg GmbH Folienartige Materialkombination
EP0431292A3 (en) * 1989-11-23 1992-04-01 Unilever Nv Film-type combination of materials
US5098364A (en) * 1990-03-26 1992-03-24 Pactec, Inc. Waste container liner and method for manufacturing same
US5110005A (en) * 1990-03-26 1992-05-05 Pactec, Inc. Waste container liner
US5441345A (en) * 1991-12-09 1995-08-15 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Specialized pouches for containing and controllably dispensing product
US5746862A (en) * 1995-10-26 1998-05-05 Super Sack Mfg. Corp. Method of making a liner for roll-off waste containers
US5741208A (en) * 1996-10-15 1998-04-21 Industrial Transportation, Inc. Environmental container liner and method of manufacture
WO1999019233A1 (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-22 Hunt-Wesson, Inc. Microwave popcorn preparation and serving package
US6060095A (en) * 1997-10-14 2000-05-09 Hunt-Wesson, Inc. Microwave popcorn serving package
WO1999020542A1 (en) * 1997-10-20 1999-04-29 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
CN1113027C (zh) * 1997-10-20 2003-07-02 通用工厂公司 容易膨胀的、无障碍、柔性纸制的微波包装件
US6066346A (en) * 1997-10-20 2000-05-23 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
AU749483B2 (en) * 1997-10-20 2002-06-27 General Mills Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
GB2337977B (en) * 1998-06-04 2002-11-27 Hunt Wesson Inc An expandible package containing a charge of popcorn kernels
GB2337977A (en) * 1998-06-04 1999-12-08 Hunt Wesson Inc Expandible package containing popcorn kernels
US6306448B1 (en) 1999-07-15 2001-10-23 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
WO2001005678A1 (en) * 1999-07-15 2001-01-25 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, flexible microwave package
EP1262420A1 (de) * 1999-07-15 2002-12-04 General Mills, Inc. Ausdehnbare flexible Mikrowellenverpackung
US6733807B2 (en) 1999-07-15 2004-05-11 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
GB2374857A (en) * 2001-04-23 2002-10-30 Sun A Kaken Co Ltd Pouch to contain food during heating
GB2374857B (en) * 2001-04-23 2005-01-12 Sun A Kaken Co Ltd Packaging body for heat processing
US6951999B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2005-10-04 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
US6660983B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2003-12-09 General Mills, Inc. Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package
US6818873B2 (en) 2001-09-07 2004-11-16 Sean Savage Packaged food product
GB2379647B (en) * 2001-09-07 2004-08-18 Eatwell Microwaveable packaged food product
GB2379647A (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-19 Eatwell Packaged food product
US6746700B1 (en) 2001-09-19 2004-06-08 Land O'lakes, Inc. Caramel corn product and a method of making the caramel corn product
EP1960281A1 (de) * 2005-12-14 2008-08-27 M & Q Plastic Products, Inc. Belüftungsbeutel mit hoher temperatur
EP1960281A4 (de) * 2005-12-14 2009-10-28 M & Q Plastic Products Inc Belüftungsbeutel mit hoher temperatur
US7709069B2 (en) 2005-12-14 2010-05-04 M & Q Packaging Corporation High temperature venting bags
AU2006325805B2 (en) * 2005-12-14 2013-01-17 M&Q Ip Leasing, Llc High temperature venting bags
EP2644526A1 (de) * 2012-03-29 2013-10-02 Ludger Fuest Beutel für Mikrowellenöfen, insbesondere zur Aufnahme von Lebensmitteln
CN103863672A (zh) * 2012-12-07 2014-06-18 上海艾录纸包装有限公司 具有超大面积热熔胶的热封口纸袋
US10926937B1 (en) * 2017-12-27 2021-02-23 Paul A. Olson Leak-resistant food package products and methods therefor
CN111685156A (zh) * 2020-07-17 2020-09-22 长沙绝艺食品有限公司 一种鸭脖剃肉自动化切割装置
CN111685156B (zh) * 2020-07-17 2021-07-23 长沙绝艺食品有限公司 一种鸭脖剃肉自动化切割装置

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DK304988D0 (da) 1988-06-03
NO882443L (no) 1988-12-06
EP0294087A3 (de) 1989-06-07
DK304988A (da) 1988-12-06
JPS63317464A (ja) 1988-12-26
NO882443D0 (no) 1988-06-03
AU1739188A (en) 1988-12-08

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