EP0421710A2 - Mikrowellennahrungsmittelverpackung - Google Patents

Mikrowellennahrungsmittelverpackung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0421710A2
EP0421710A2 EP90310735A EP90310735A EP0421710A2 EP 0421710 A2 EP0421710 A2 EP 0421710A2 EP 90310735 A EP90310735 A EP 90310735A EP 90310735 A EP90310735 A EP 90310735A EP 0421710 A2 EP0421710 A2 EP 0421710A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
foodstuff
bag
microwave
chamber
orifice
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP90310735A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0421710A3 (en
Inventor
Joseph F. C/O Minnesota Mining Garvey
Curtis L. C/O Minnesota Mining Larson
Pierre H. C/O Minnesota Mining Lepere
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.)
3M Co
Original Assignee
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
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 Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co filed Critical Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Publication of EP0421710A2 publication Critical patent/EP0421710A2/de
Publication of EP0421710A3 publication Critical patent/EP0421710A3/en
Ceased 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5805—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness
    • B65D75/5811—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D2581/3471—Microwave reactive substances present in the packaging material
    • B65D2581/3472—Aluminium or compounds thereof
    • 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
    • B65D2581/3489—Microwave reflector, i.e. microwave shield
    • 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

  • the present invention relates to food packages for use in a microwave oven and in particular, it relates to food packages for foodstuffs that are to be dispensed from the package in a flowable state after heating in a microwave oven.
  • a package for containing a quantity of a foodstuff for heating the foodstuff in a microwave oven and dispensing the foodstuff in a flowable state includes a bag having a chamber for receiving the foodstuff, having opposed ends and an upper side and an opposing lower side adapted for generally horizontal placement of the foodstuff within the microwave oven. Means are provided for forming an orifice in the bag communicating with the chamber for dispensing the foodstuff in a flowable state after heating in the microwave oven. Means are provided for venting the chamber when the foodstuff is heated in the microwave oven to release vapor pressure within the chamber. Means are also provided for insulating at least part of the upper side of the bag to enable the bag to be handled after the foodstuff is heated in the microwave oven.
  • the present invention provides for the above microwave food package in combination with a foodstuff.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a microwave food package according to the present invention generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
  • the microwave food package 10 comprises a bag or pouch 12 constructed from flexible, microwave transparent polymeric material.
  • the material is such that bag 12 may be formed by folding the sheet over on itself and bonding aligned portions of facing surfaces adjacent side edges 14a and 14b and end edges 16a and 16b to form an enclosed chamber 18. The bonding may be accomplished such as by heat sealing the sheet material together or by use of a suitable adhesive, or by any other suitable means.
  • bag 12 may be constructed in other arrangements, such as by sealing two or more separate sheets (not shown) together to form the chamber 18, or by sealing the ends of a tube like structure.
  • the bag is constructed from a polymeric film having two layers, an inner layer (not shown) that is heat sealable to itself, and an outer layer (not shown) that provides strength and support to the heat sealable layer and also acts as a moisture barrier to protect the foodstuff.
  • the following is a non-limiting list of materials suitable for use in constructing the heat sealable layer: polypropylene, medium density polyethylene, ionomers, heat sealable polyesters, copolyesters, or blends of polyester and copolyester.
  • the following is a non-limiting list of material suitable for use in constructing the support layer: polypropylene, polyester, and nylon.
  • an oxygen barrier layer (not shown) into the film to prolong the shelf life of the foodstuff when placed within the package, such as for "shelf stable" foodstuffs that don't require refrigeration.
  • the oxygen barrier layer is located intermediate the heat sealable layer and the support layer, to protect the oxygen barrier layer from abrasion or other damage.
  • the oxygen barrier layer has an oxygen transmission rate of no greater than 15.5 cc per square meter per 24 hours at one (1) atmosphere and at room temperature.
  • the oxygen barrier layer may be constructed of any suitable material such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
  • the film may be constructed such as by co-extruding the layers, laminating the layers with a suitable adhesive or a combination of coextrusion and laminating.
  • the chamber 18 is generally uniform in thickness, broad, flat and relatively thin and is adapted for the receipt of foodstuff 20.
  • the bag 12 includes an upper side 22 and an opposing lower side 24.
  • the side edges 14a and 14b are bonded adjacent the end edges 16a and 16b such that a flap 26 is formed in a generally medial position on the upper side 22 transverse to the side edges 14a and 14b.
  • the chamber 18 in the bag may be filled with any suitable foodstuff 20 that is desired to be heated in a microwave oven and dispensed through the orifice 30.
  • any suitable foodstuff 20 that is desired to be heated in a microwave oven and dispensed through the orifice 30.
  • the term "flowable” includes substances that are liquid, fluid or solid but having a consistency enabling the foodstuff to be poured or extruded through an orifice.
  • the bag includes means for forming an orifice in the microwave food package communicating with the chamber and exteriorly of the package for dispensing the foodstuff from the package after heating in a microwave oven.
  • the bag 12 includes preformed orifice 30 for dispensing the foodstuff after heating in a microwave oven.
  • the orifice comprises a passageway 32 communicating with chamber 18 and extending through flap 26 exteriorly of the bag.
  • the bag may be constructed with an orifice formed anywhere on the bag, in which case flap 26 of the bag may be omitted.
  • the bag may be constructed without a preformed orifice, but with means for forming an orifice in the bag during or after heating of the foodstuff.
  • Means are provided to enclose the preformed orifice 30 during heating of the foodstuff, to protect the foodstuff from contamination or degradation during storage and to prevent the foodstuff from escaping from the bag, and to enable the orifice to be opened for dispensing of the foodstuff, when desired.
  • the enclosing means provides a hermetic seal to prevent degradation of the foodstuff during storage.
  • the end edges 16a and 16b of the bag 12 at the flap 26 may be sealed from side edge 14a to side edge 14b.
  • the side edges of the bag may include aligned notches or the like (not shown) spaced from the end edges 16a, 16b to facilitate tearing of the film to open the orifice.
  • a perforated or weakened line may be formed in the flap 26 spaced from the end edges also to facilitate removal of the end edges of the flap and open the orifice, or a tape or like member (not shown) may be adhered to the exterior of the bag transversely across the neck portion, or a tear strip (not shown) may be adhered within the flap to assist in opening the orifice.
  • a piece of pressure sensitive adhesive tape (not shown) may be applied to the bag over the orifice, and then removed to dispense the foodstuff.
  • Means are also provided to automatically vent the chamber of the bag during the heating of the foodstuff to release vapor pressure that is created when the foodstuff exudes moisture and other gasses.
  • the venting means will provide a controlled exhaustion of gases from the chamber 18 to prevent premature rupture of the chamber and the escape of the foodstuff.
  • the package according to the present invention could be vented by puncturing, as with a fork, to allow the escape of steam and other vapors during cooking, preferably the package includes means that will automatically vent the package during heating of the foodstuff. That means for venting the bag could comprise pre-formed openings (such orifice 30) in the bag that are initially closed by a manually removable cover (e.g., a piece of pressure sensitive adhesive coated tape).
  • venting member 34 including a deposit of microwave susceptor material adhered at or in the vicinity of a heat sensitive material forming at least a portion of the bag so as to be in thermal communication with that portion of the bag, which microwave susceptor material will be heated by exposure to microwave radiation and will automatically cause a vent to form or open in or around the venting member during microwave heating of the foodstuff.
  • the deposit of microwave susceptor material for 2,450 megahertz radiation normally used in household microwave ovens can comprise nonmetallic, microwave absorbing particles (e.g., graphite, carbon black, iron oxide or ferrite) dispersed in a nonmetallic (e.g., polymeric) binder, which deposit has a thickness within the range from 10 to 300 micrometers, with the particles comprising at least 10% by weight of the deposit as is taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,640,838, entitled “Self-venting Vapor-tight Microwave Oven Package" issued February 3, 1987 and incorporated herein by reference.
  • Other configurations and/or materials may be employed, extending the range of thicknesses of the deposit to between 5 to 1000 micrometers, or even greater.
  • the susceptor material is a metal vapor coating of aluminum with a surface resistance in the range of 50 to 300 ohms per square (about 100 ohms per square preferred) either coated directly on the bag or coated on a polymeric film adhered to the bag by a suitable adhesive.
  • the bag 12 comprises heat sensitive material such as thermoplastic film and the susceptor material comprises metal adhered by vapor deposition or susceptor particles adhered by adhesive directly to the film, heating of the deposit by microwaves can soften and weaken that portion of the film to which the deposit is adhered, thus causing that portion to rupture and vent the package under the influence of steam or vapor pressure within the bag.
  • an adhesive layer adheres the susceptor material to the heat sensitive material which is to be weakened by heat from the particles, that adhesive layer should be thin to afford good heat transfer, preferably from 10 to 20 micrometers.
  • the susceptor material itself or a polymeric film to which it is adhered and the adhesive by which the film is adhered to a bag are impervious to vapors, but the susceptor material or adhesive will soften and weaken when heated; the susceptor material or film can be positioned over a weakness in the bag such as an opening, a slit, or a score.
  • a susceptor material may be covered with a vapor- impervious thermoplastic film.
  • heating of the susceptor material may either soften and weaken the covering thermoplastic film or film on which the susceptor material is coated, or venting may occur laterally through the susceptor material or through an unfilled adhesive layer by which the film and susceptor material are adhered over a weakness of the bag 12.
  • the susceptor material itself or a polymeric film to which the susceptor material is adhered can also be adhered along a seal between layers of material forming the bag 12 that is heat softenable so that heating of the layer during cooking of foodstuff within the package by microwave energy will cause the seal to rupture because of vapor pressure in the bag 12.
  • the susceptor material can form an alpha numeric message or a distinctive pattern that informs the user of the self-venting nature of the package. Whether directly placed on the bag 12 or cut from a pre- formed sheet that is adhered to the bag, the susceptor material may be shaped to concentrate the microwave energy. The susceptor material may have a distinctive shape to remind the user by its very appearance that the package is self venting and to position the package in the oven so that nothing spills when the vent forms. For such reasons, the susceptor material or other portions of the venting member may be highly conspicuous or indicia may be placed on the bag or package to direct attention of the user to the venting member. The susceptor material or the venting member may have the shape of a logo or trademark to identify the company marketing the package.
  • the microwave susceptor material may take the form of a rectangular piece of metal vapor coated film adhered by a suitable adhesive to the bag.
  • the vapor coated film and top sheet of polymeric film forming the bag will be softened by heating of the metal vapor coating to cause rupturing of that top sheet of film and vapor coated film due to steam or vapor pressure within the bag during heating of the foodstuff by microwave energy so that the vent member will allow excess steam or vapor pressure within the bag to escape, while retaining sufficient steam or vapor within the bag to enhance heating of the foodstuff.
  • a venting member 34 is located at or adjacent one side of the distal end of passageway 32 of orifice 30. This end is presealed after the foodstuff is placed within chamber 18. During heating in the microwave oven, the venting members 34 weaken the bond between facing sealed surfaces of the distal end of the passageway so that the orifice is opened, as illustrated hereinafter, a venting member 34 may be applied to both sides of flap 26, if desired.
  • the insulation means takes the form of a continuous flexible sheet 36 of polypropylene foam.
  • the foam sheet 36 is applied to the lower side 24 of the bag and with either end extending about the ends 38 and 40 of the bag 12 and over the upper side 22 of the bag towards the flap 26.
  • the insulating sheet 36 may be secured to bag 12 by a suitable adhesive capable of withstanding the elevated temperatures encountered in a microwave oven, or by any other means, such as mechanical clips.
  • one or more labels may be adhered or attached to the exterior of the microwave food package in one or more locations for advertising, identification, instructional, or other purposes.
  • indicia, logos or the like may be imprinted directly on the outermost layer of the package, including the insulating layer.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the microwave food package 10 is placed in a microwave oven with the lower side 24 of the bag 12 placed downward.
  • the build up of vapor pressure in the chamber may lift the upper side of the bag.
  • the orifice 30 is located medially on the upper side 22 of the bag, the orifice is lifted and is positioned at a high point of the bag.
  • the foodstuff 20 is prevented by gravity from escaping from the package 10.
  • the horizontal position and generally uniform thickness of the foodstuff 20 in the bag enables the foodstuff to be evenly heated by the microwave oven, without the burning and uneven heating of conventional cup like containers, as previously discussed.
  • susceptor refers to substrates which include a layer of microwave interactive material capable of absorbing microwave energy and converting the microwave energy to sensible heat.
  • microwave interactive refers to materials which absorb and/or reflect a substantial proportion of the microwave energy striking the material.
  • microwave shield refers to microwave reflective materials which can be configured about a food item so as to reduce the amount of microwave energy directly transmitted to the food item.
  • microwave transparent refers to materials which allow microwaves to be transmitted therethrough without a substantial alteration in the intensity or direction of the microwaves.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the configuration of the package after heating and removal from a microwave oven. Since orifice 30 has been opened, the preferred method for dispensing the foodstuff is to fold the bag 12 and the chamber 18 about a transverse line on the lower side 24 of the bag aligned with the flap 26. The folded chamber 18 may then be squeezed, as shown in Figure 7, to force the foodstuff 20 to flow from the chamber and through the orifice 30. The package 10 may then be discarded. This enables substantially all of the foodstuff to be heated and dispensed from the package without the use of a utensil.
  • venting member 34 is illustrated as mounted at or near the distal end of the passageway 32, it is within the spirit and scope of this invention to mount the venting member 34 at any location along the length of the passageway, such as the end proximate the chamber 18. In such a case, other means, such as the tear strips, perforated or weakened lines or the like previously described herein, may be employed to open the distal end of the passageway to dispense the foodstuff.
  • a sheet was constructed by laminating the PVDC side of a 0.00052 inch (0.013 mm) thick support layer of Scotchpar tm 2708 brand film available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota to a 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) thick heat sealing layer of CP136 polypropylene film available from the Crown Advanced Film Division of James River Corp. of Orange, Texas with Adcote 76T198 adhesive available from Morton Thiokol of Chicago, Illinois (dry weight of 2-3 pounds per 3,000 square feet of film).
  • An insulating layer of 0.0625 inch (1.59 mm) thick polypropylene foam available from Ametek, Inc.
  • separate insulating sheets may be applied to the upper side of the bag on either side of the flap.
  • the bag 12 may be removed from a microwave oven by grasping the flap 26 and lifting the bag so that the bag is automatically folded over on itself about a transverse line on the lower side 24 generally opposite the flap (as shown in Figure 6). This places the insulating sheets on opposite sides of the exposed surfaces of the bag. The bag may then be grasped by the insulating sheets and squeezed to dispense the foodstuff.
  • Figures 8-10 illustrate an alternate embodiment of this invention in which the insulating sheet 36 also takes the form of a stiffening sheet.
  • the stiffening sheet 36 provides sufficient stiffness to the bag to assist in the squeezing of the chamber during dispensing of the foodstuff.
  • the insulating sheet takes the form of a sheet of single faced corrugated chipboard, with the corrugations facing outwardly.
  • the sheet is bent and flexible at the ends 38, 40 of the bag 12 so that the portions on the upper side 22 of the bag are hingedly connected to the portion on the lower side of the bag. Dispensing of the foodstuff is assisted by pushing the portions of the sheet 36 on the upper side of the bag towards the portion of the sheet 36 on the lower side of the bag.
  • the chamber 18 is not folded over on itself in the manner shown in Figure 6.
  • a stiffening sheet may be provided separate from the-insulating sheet and mounted on the package either above or below the insulating sheet.
  • the corrugations of the single faced stiffening sheet should preferably either be directed outwardly (as in Figure 11) or the stiffening sheet should be double faced (as in Figure 12).
  • Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment 10 of the invention in which the orifice 30 and venting member 34 are located at one end of the bag 12 , with the orifice communicating with the chamber 18.
  • An insulating and stiffening sheet 36 is provided that includes ridge 42 to support the bag in a recumbent (although still generally horizontal within the meaning of this invention) position, but with the end 38 of the bag having the orifice 30 tilted slightly upwards, to prevent the escape of foodstuff from the bag after the venting member 34 is ruptured.
  • the portion of the insulating and stiffening sheet 36 that is on the upper side 22 of the bag 12 may be pushed towards the portion of the sheet 36 on the lower side 24 of the bag to squeeze the chamber and dispense the foodstuff through the orifice.
  • FIGs 15 and 15a illustrate another embodiment 10 of the invention in which a microwave shielding member or layer 44 is applied to the lower side 24 of a bag 12 as shown in Figure 1.
  • the microwave shielding member 44 may be constructed from any suitable microwave shielding material, such as thin metal foils, which may attenuate the microwave radiation directed at the package, or the microwave shield be completely opaque to microwave radiation.
  • the shield facilities uniform heating of the foodstuff thought the chamber by reducing the rate of heating at the edges thereof relative to the middle of the bag.
  • shield 44 is constructed from 0.0003 inch (0.0076 mm) thick layer of aluminum foil laminated to a supporting paper substrate and the laminate adhered to the bag with a Swift brand 48803 adhesive.
  • the paper substrate provides mechanical support to the relatively thin and weak metal foil during handling and application to the package. If the foil is cracked or severely wrinkled, arcing may occur during heating of the foodstuff in a microwave oven.
  • the shield includes a central opening 46.
  • thicker metal foils may be employed, such as 0.003 inch ( 0.076 mm) Aluminum foil.
  • the shield 44 acts to prevent the edges of the foodstuff from exposure to excessive amounts of microwave energy while enabling unimpeded heating of the foodstuff in the middle of the bag.
  • the size, shape, thickness, location, and number of the shields may be varied as is found effective for a particular application.
  • a pouch was made by heat sealing 4" x 6" (102 mm x 152 mm) films made of ScotchpakTM Type 5 with the polyethylene sides together as shown in Figures 1-7.
  • Scotchpak #5 film is 0.002 inch thick (0.051 mm) and is made of a layer of polyester and a layer of polyethylene.
  • the pouch was heat sealed about 0.5 inch (1.2 mm) around the bottom and two of the sides and about 1.5 inch (3.8 mm) on the top to form a chamber that is 3" x 4.5" (76 mm x 108 mm).
  • Four (4) ounces (113 grams) of Cheese Whiz brand processed cheese available from Kraft, Inc. of Glenview, Illinois was placed in the chamber just prior to sealing the top edge.
  • the top (as the pouch lays flat) of the filled pouch was slit in the center with a razor blade to form a 0.5" (13 mm) long slit to allow steam to escape.
  • the pouch was then heated in a 600 watt microwave oven at full power for 45 seconds, after which the temperature of the Cheez Whiz was measured with a Fluke 52 K/J (Type J) thermocouple available from John Fluke Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Rolling Meadows, Illinois at the four corners of the pouch and in the center of the pouch.
  • the sample was then heated in the 600 watt microwave oven at full power for another 45 seconds and the temperature was again measured at the corners and center as described above. Results are noted in Table 1. No shielding was used.
  • a second pouch was made and filled as described above.
  • a shielding material consisting of a composite made of 0.0003 inch (0.0076 mm) aluminum foil laminated to 20 lb. bleached Kraft paper was cut into a 3.25" x 4.75" (83 mm x 121 mm) rectangle and laminated to the pouch with the paper side to the pouch with a Swift #48803 brand adhesive.
  • the composite is available as described from Reynolds Metals Co. of Richmond, Virginia.
  • the filled pouch was heated and temperature was measured as described above. The results are recorded in Table 1. (The slit was made as in Example 1 and the shield was on the bottom of the pouch as in Figure 15.)
  • Example 3 A third pouch was made and filled as described in Example 1.
  • the shielding material of Example 2 was used except that an oval hole 1.75" x 3.25" (45 mm x 83 mm) was cut about in the middle of the shielding material.
  • the filled pouch was heated and the temperature was measured at 45 seconds and at 90 seconds as described in Example 1. Results are recorded in Table 1. (A slit was made as in Example 1 and the Shield was on the bottom of the pouch.)
  • Example's 2 and 3 show that the shield layer prevents the corner temperature of the foodstuff from getting too high and causing burning.
  • Example 3 shows uniform heating of the foodstuff from edge to center.
  • FIGs 16 and 17 illustrate an embodiment of 10' the invention similar to that shown in figures 13 and 14, but wherein the insulating sheet 36 comprises a sheet of foam, without significant stiffening properties.
  • the flap 26 is provided with an auxiliary flap 48 on the same side as the lower side 24. When placed horizontally in a microwave oven, the auxiliary flap 48 urges the flap 26 into a generally upright position as shown. In this manner, the foodstuff is prevented from spilling or "percolating" through the orifice 30 during heating of the foodstuff and after rupturing caused by venting member 34.
  • FIGS 18-20 illustrate an embodiment 10 of the invention which includes a tray portion 50.
  • the tray portion may be formed such as by vacuum forming, blow molding, injection molding, embossing, cold forming, or by any other suitable method.
  • a film 56 is laminated or sealed to the tray portion 50 to form the enclosed chamber 18 for receipt of the foodstuff 20.
  • the film 56 comprises two separate sheets 56a and 56b that are laminated or sealed to the tray portion 50 and to each other at a medial position to form flap 26, with the chamber 50 divided into receptacles 52 and 54 communicating with each other adjacent the flap 26. Venting member 34 and insulating sheets 36 are provided as previously described.
  • the foodstuff 20 may be dispensed as Shown in Figures 21 and 22 by folding the tray portion 50 over on itself about preformed transverse fold line 58 opposite the flap 26 and squeezing the receptacles 52, 54 together.
  • An example of a microwave food package 10 constructed according to the embodiment shown in Figures 18-20 includes a tray portion constructed of 0.0075 inch (0.19 mm) thick Curlon HK-28 nylon/ionomer film available from Curwood, Inc. of New London, Wisconsin and a top film constructed of 0.003 inch (0.076 mm) thick Curlon MKS nylon/ionomer film.
  • the microwave food package of the present invention thus provides an effective container for storage and uniform heating of a foodstuff in a microwave oven, and for efficiently dispensing the foodstuff in a flowable state without use of a utensil, after which the package may be disposed of.
  • the package may be handled and the foodstuff may be dispensed immediately after heating in the microwave oven, or the dispensing of the foodstuff may be delayed while the heated foodstuff is retained in the insulated package.
  • this invention further includes the microwave food package as hereinabove described in combination with a quantity of a foodstuff.
  • the microwave food package of this invention may be constructed with a longitudinal or diagonal fold line, or with multiple fold lines or with fold lines located at any desired location on the package and specifically, the fold line does not have to be aligned with the orifice.
  • the microwave shielding member may be located on any portion or portions of the package as is found advantageous.
  • the orifice 30 may be located anywhere on the package, and specifically, the orifice may be positioned at any transverse point along the flap 26.
  • the orifice may be constructed with a rigid member of pouring spout to facilitate dispensing the foodstuff, such as a cylindrical tube or nozzle.
  • the shape of the package and/or the bag 12 may be varied as desired, such as round, triangular, octangonal, cylindrical or the like.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
EP19900310735 1989-10-02 1990-10-01 Microwave food package Ceased EP0421710A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US41599989A 1989-10-02 1989-10-02
US415999 1989-10-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0421710A2 true EP0421710A2 (de) 1991-04-10
EP0421710A3 EP0421710A3 (en) 1992-03-04

Family

ID=23648108

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900310735 Ceased EP0421710A3 (en) 1989-10-02 1990-10-01 Microwave food package

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0421710A3 (de)
JP (1) JPH03124581A (de)
CA (1) CA2025130A1 (de)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992009503A1 (en) * 1990-11-29 1992-06-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Microwave hot melt adhesive package and dispenser
US5368199A (en) * 1990-08-06 1994-11-29 Loctite Corporation Microwaveable hot melt dispenser
FR2750678A1 (fr) * 1996-07-05 1998-01-09 Valois Dispositif de distribution biphasique d'une dose unique
US5718356A (en) * 1990-08-06 1998-02-17 Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc. Dispensing apparatus for hot melt materials that employs microwave energy
WO1998046497A1 (en) * 1997-04-14 1998-10-22 Sealed Air Corporation Thermally insulated foam in bag packaging cushion
WO1998054065A1 (en) * 1997-05-30 1998-12-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Flexible compartmented package that stands upright having rupturable seal and connecting strap
EP1061005A1 (de) * 1999-06-17 2000-12-20 Dentaco Dentalindustrie- und Marketing GmbH Mehrkomponentenkammerbeutel
WO2005082741A1 (en) * 2004-02-24 2005-09-09 Udobo Limited Packaging, particularly for foodstuffs
EP2181937A3 (de) * 2002-02-08 2010-05-26 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Isolierende mikrowelleninteraktive Verpackung
EP2265514A2 (de) * 2008-03-27 2010-12-29 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Selbstbelüftende mikrowellentaugliche verpackung
EP2328815A1 (de) * 2008-08-28 2011-06-08 Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Bilderfassungsvorrichtung
US8440275B2 (en) 2004-02-09 2013-05-14 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave cooking packages and methods of making thereof
US8642935B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2014-02-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave interactive flexible packaging
US8696854B2 (en) 2004-01-19 2014-04-15 Winstore Europe B.V. Method for producing container parts, container parts, method for producing a multilayer foil, multilayer foil
US8866054B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2014-10-21 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave energy interactive heating sheet
US9073689B2 (en) 2007-02-15 2015-07-07 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave energy interactive insulating structure
US10604325B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2020-03-31 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Microwave packaging material

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3560862B2 (ja) * 1999-07-29 2004-09-02 株式会社フジシール 電子レンジ加熱包装体
JP2002179154A (ja) * 2000-12-19 2002-06-26 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 電子レンジ用包装容器
JP5731423B2 (ja) * 2012-02-21 2015-06-10 大成ラミック株式会社 合掌貼り包装袋およびそれの使用方法
JP6128623B1 (ja) 2016-03-08 2017-05-17 大成ラミック株式会社 包装袋および包装袋の使用方法

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3418059A (en) * 1967-03-20 1968-12-24 Robe Associates Dispenser package for flowable materials and method of forming same
US3865301A (en) * 1973-11-15 1975-02-11 Trans World Services Partially shielded food package for dielectric heating
US4013798A (en) * 1973-11-21 1977-03-22 Teckton, Inc. Selectively ventable food package and micro-wave shielding device
FR2451182A1 (fr) * 1979-03-16 1980-10-10 Seiferth Oscar Recipient pour aliments destine a la cuisson par micro-ondes, et emballage pour aliments
EP0038114A1 (de) * 1980-04-11 1981-10-21 The Dow Chemical Company Verfahren zur Herstellung eines thermoplastischen Beutels
EP0109737A2 (de) * 1982-11-18 1984-05-30 Sanford Redmond Ausgabeverpackung
EP0174188A2 (de) * 1984-09-06 1986-03-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Selbstbelüftende, dampfdichte Verpackung für Mikrowellenherde und Herstellungsverfahren dazu

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3418059A (en) * 1967-03-20 1968-12-24 Robe Associates Dispenser package for flowable materials and method of forming same
US3865301A (en) * 1973-11-15 1975-02-11 Trans World Services Partially shielded food package for dielectric heating
US4013798A (en) * 1973-11-21 1977-03-22 Teckton, Inc. Selectively ventable food package and micro-wave shielding device
FR2451182A1 (fr) * 1979-03-16 1980-10-10 Seiferth Oscar Recipient pour aliments destine a la cuisson par micro-ondes, et emballage pour aliments
EP0038114A1 (de) * 1980-04-11 1981-10-21 The Dow Chemical Company Verfahren zur Herstellung eines thermoplastischen Beutels
EP0109737A2 (de) * 1982-11-18 1984-05-30 Sanford Redmond Ausgabeverpackung
EP0174188A2 (de) * 1984-09-06 1986-03-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Selbstbelüftende, dampfdichte Verpackung für Mikrowellenherde und Herstellungsverfahren dazu

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5368199A (en) * 1990-08-06 1994-11-29 Loctite Corporation Microwaveable hot melt dispenser
US5718356A (en) * 1990-08-06 1998-02-17 Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc. Dispensing apparatus for hot melt materials that employs microwave energy
WO1992009503A1 (en) * 1990-11-29 1992-06-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Microwave hot melt adhesive package and dispenser
FR2750678A1 (fr) * 1996-07-05 1998-01-09 Valois Dispositif de distribution biphasique d'une dose unique
WO1998001360A1 (fr) * 1996-07-05 1998-01-15 Valois S.A. Dispositif de distribution biphasique d'une dose unique
US6264065B1 (en) 1996-07-05 2001-07-24 Valois S.A. Device for biphasic dispensing of a single dose
WO1998046497A1 (en) * 1997-04-14 1998-10-22 Sealed Air Corporation Thermally insulated foam in bag packaging cushion
WO1998054065A1 (en) * 1997-05-30 1998-12-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Flexible compartmented package that stands upright having rupturable seal and connecting strap
EP1061005A1 (de) * 1999-06-17 2000-12-20 Dentaco Dentalindustrie- und Marketing GmbH Mehrkomponentenkammerbeutel
US7923669B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2011-04-12 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Insulating microwave interactive packaging
US8563906B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2013-10-22 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Insulating microwave interactive packaging
US8866054B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2014-10-21 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave energy interactive heating sheet
EP2181937A3 (de) * 2002-02-08 2010-05-26 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Isolierende mikrowelleninteraktive Verpackung
US8642935B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2014-02-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave interactive flexible packaging
US8696854B2 (en) 2004-01-19 2014-04-15 Winstore Europe B.V. Method for producing container parts, container parts, method for producing a multilayer foil, multilayer foil
US8440275B2 (en) 2004-02-09 2013-05-14 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave cooking packages and methods of making thereof
US8828510B2 (en) 2004-02-09 2014-09-09 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave cooking packages and methods of making thereof
WO2005082741A1 (en) * 2004-02-24 2005-09-09 Udobo Limited Packaging, particularly for foodstuffs
US9073689B2 (en) 2007-02-15 2015-07-07 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave energy interactive insulating structure
EP2265514A4 (de) * 2008-03-27 2014-02-26 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Selbstbelüftende mikrowellentaugliche verpackung
EP2265514A2 (de) * 2008-03-27 2010-12-29 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Selbstbelüftende mikrowellentaugliche verpackung
EP2328815A4 (de) * 2008-08-28 2012-02-15 Momentive Performance Mat Inc Bilderfassungsvorrichtung
EP2328815A1 (de) * 2008-08-28 2011-06-08 Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Bilderfassungsvorrichtung
US10604325B2 (en) 2016-06-03 2020-03-31 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Microwave packaging material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2025130A1 (en) 1991-04-03
JPH03124581A (ja) 1991-05-28
EP0421710A3 (en) 1992-03-04

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