EP1047614A1 - Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package - Google Patents
Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave packageInfo
- Publication number
- EP1047614A1 EP1047614A1 EP98953628A EP98953628A EP1047614A1 EP 1047614 A1 EP1047614 A1 EP 1047614A1 EP 98953628 A EP98953628 A EP 98953628A EP 98953628 A EP98953628 A EP 98953628A EP 1047614 A1 EP1047614 A1 EP 1047614A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- microwave package
- expandable microwave
- expandable
- package
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
-
- 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
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- 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
- B65D2581/3439—Means for affecting the heating or cooking properties
- B65D2581/3445—Microwave reactive adhesives, e.g. also used in valves or lids
-
- 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 generally to packages for use in microwave ovens, pertains particularly to an easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible, microwave package formed of non-extendable material for the popping or puffing of grains and especially popcorn kernels, and pertains more particularly to a microwave package providing serving bowl and/or easy open features.
- microwave popcorn packages are often folded flat. During popping by use of microwave energy, the popcorn package expands, with the expansion due to the internal pressure of the steam produced by the popping of the popcorn kernels, the pressure of the popped kernels themselves, as well as other factors.
- An important feature for maximizing the volume of the popped kernels is the ability of the microwave popcorn package to easily expand.
- Another important factor for maximizing the volume of the popped kernels is that the number of kernels which are actually popped be maximized by insuring that the unpopped kernels are located together on the susceptor with sufficient dwell time to receive sufficient heat energy to result in popping.
- the shape of the bag plays an important role in the ability of the bag to expand as well as the ability of unpopped kernels to come in contact with each other and the susceptor before and during popping.
- One form of conventional popcorn packages is a bag having a rectangular top, a rectangular bottom and pleated sides and with at least one end being sealed together by attaching the top and bottom together such as but not limited to by folding the end of the bag over onto itself. It is a common problem for unpopped kernels to be propelled in the popping process into folds and crevices in the bag and especially those created by the pleats in the sides adjacent to the end(s) of the bag. Such kernels may tend to be captured in such folds and crevices so that they are unable to travel towards the susceptor and are less likely to be popped during microwave cooking.
- the popcorn package which is utilized to pop the popcorn kernels has the ability to be utilized as the serving bowl during consumption of the popped kernels.
- the expanded popcorn package can be easily opened by the consumer with minimal instructions.
- an expandable microwave package in the form of a bag formed by top and bottom walls of flexible, non-extendable material interconnected together adjacent to their round-like shaped outer peripheries so that the top and bottom walls expand into an opposing double domed shape when the popcorn kernels are popped in the microwave oven.
- the top wall includes a peelable closure seal which vents during microwave cooking and which can be physically separated after microwave cooking for ease of access to the popped popcorn and so that the bag clearly functions as a serving bowl.
- the peelable closure seal is formed in the interconnection between first and second wall portions, and in a preferred form the bag further includes first and second extensions extending outwardly from the first and second wall portions for grasping to separate the first and second wall portions.
- the top wall is fabricated from multiple layers and includes a first annular portion having an access opening and a closure portion of a size greater than the access opening and interconnected to the first portion by a seal.
- the seal includes a peelable closure portion which fails during microwave cooking, and an extension is formed on the outer periphery of the closure portion for grasping when removing the closure portion.
- the peelable closure seal is formed in the interconnection between the bottom and top walls.
- extensions are formed on the outer peripheries of the top and bottom walls adjacent the peelable closure seal and outward of the interconnection, with the consumer grasping and pulling the extensions to open the bag for removing the popped popcorn from the interior of the bag.
- the bottom and top walls are interconnected together by their interconnection to first and second gussetted side panels, with the outer periphery of the bottom wall being interconnected to the outer peripheries of the first panel portions of the first and second gussetted side panels and 9/20542
- the outer periphery of the top wall being interconnected to the outer peripheries of the second panel portions of the first and second gussetted side panels, with the outer peripheries of the panel portions corresponding to the outer peripheries of the bottom and top walls.
- the bag formed by the interconnection of top and bottom walls having round-like shaped outer peripheries is folded about first and second, parallel, fold lines located on opposite sides of a periphery interconnection portion, then folded about a third fold line extending perpendicularly between the first and second fold lines at which time the popcorn kernels are introduced through the periphery interconnection portion which is then sealed, and then folded about a fourth fold line extending parallel to the third fold line, with the folded bag having a conventional, rectangular shape for secondary packaging.
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package fabricated in accordance with the preferred teachings of the present invention in generally an expanded condition.
- Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the package of Figure 1 in an unfilled, flat condition, with portions broken away.
- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the package of Figure 1 in an unfilled, partially folded condition, with portions broken away.
- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the package of Figure 1 in an unfilled, partially folded condition.
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the package of Figure 1 in an unfilled, partially folded condition and with the peripheries in the upper edge separated for the introduction of popcorn kernels and the like, with portions broken away.
- Figure 6 shows a top plan view of the package of Figure 1 in a filled, partially folded condition, with portions broken away.
- Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the package of Figure 1 in a filled, folded or collapsed condition.
- Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view of the package of Figure 1 according to section line 8-8 of Figure 1, with the popped popcorn being removed for ease of illustration.
- Figure 9 shows a side view of the package of Figure 1 in an opened condition.
- Figure 10 shows a top plan view of a package in an unfilled, flat condition and fabricated in accordance with the preferred teachings of the present invention, with portions broken away.
- Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the package of Figure 10 in a filled, expanded, and partially opened condition.
- Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a package fabricated in accordance with the preferred teachings of the present invention and in an expanded condition showing a preferred method of opening.
- Figure 13 shows a top plan view of a package in an unfilled, flat condition and fabricated in accordance with the preferred teachings of the present invention, with portions broken away.
- Figure 14 shows a diagrammatic, perspective view of the package of Figure 13 in an expanded condition showing a preferred method of opening.
- Figure 15 shows a diagrammatic, perspective view of the package of Figure 13 in an expanded condition to illustrate its enhanced serving bowl function.
- Figure 16 shows an exploded perspective view of the package of Figure 13 diagrammatically illustrating one method of fabrication according to the teachings of the present invention.
- Figure 17 shows a top plan view of a package in an unfilled, flat condition and fabricated in accordance with the preferred teachings of the present invention, with portions broken away.
- FIG. 18 A package for use in microwave ovens according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is shown as an expandable, flexible bag in the drawings and generally designated 18. It will facilitate the ensuing description to consider bag 18 in the horizontal position when placed in the microwave oven. Therefore, bag 18 includes a bottom wall 20 and a top wall 22 of a shape and size generally corresponding to bottom wall 20. Each wall 20 l and 22 is formed by a sheet of flexible but non-extendable material such as papers including but not limited to base coated paper or similar cellose structures, polymers including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate,
- Each wall 20 and 22 includes an outer periphery 20a and 22a, respectively, which is generally equidistant from the
- center 24 of the shape of walls 20 and 22 and in the most preferred form is generally circular in shape.
- peripheries 20a and 22a could be in other substantially round or round-like shapes which are arcuate and/or include peripheral edge interconnections which do not have
- walls 20 and 22 are symmetrical shapes including ovals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, etc. and such as non-symmetrical shapes such as a generally egg shape.
- walls 20 and 22 are symmetrical shapes including ovals, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, etc. and such as non-symmetrical shapes such as a generally egg shape.
- 25 walls 20 and 22 is sufficient so as to seal adequately the vapor created within the bag 18 during the heating thereof in the microwave oven as well as to prevent undesired opening during the consumption of the popped kernels.
- a suitable annular adhesive strip In the most preferred form, a suitable annular adhesive strip
- bag 18 includes a susceptor patch 30 that extends over a portion of bottom wall 20 spaced from periphery 20a and in the most preferred form generally centered about center 24.
- Susceptor patch 30 can be formed in any suitable manner known in the art such as a metalized plastic film adhered to bottom wall 20 as diagra matically shown in Figure 8 (with the thickness of susceptor patch 30 being exaggerated for ease of illustration) or adhered between separate layers forming bottom wall 20, as a paper backed susceptor, or as a coating applied or printed to bottom wall 20. Further, although susceptor patch 30 is shown as overlying bottom wall 20 and thus located inside of bag 18, susceptor patch 30 can be located outside of bag 18 with bottom wall 20 overlying susceptor patch 30. Further, placement of susceptor patch 30 can occur at the material converter or on the manufacturing lines.
- top wall 22 is formed from first and second wall portions 22b and 22c which are interconnected together by a fin seal 28.
- portions 22b and 22c are generally semicircular in shape and fin seal 28 extends between opposite points on periphery 22a and specifically along a diameter of the circular shape of periphery 22a.
- Fin seal 28 provides a peelable closure which partially fails during microwave cooking. Specifically, this partial failure of fin seal 28 allows trapped steam to vent from bag 18 as well as allows the consumer to continue to peel seal 28 to open bag 18 after microwave cooking to provide access to the popped popcorn kernels in the hollow interior of bag 18 for consumption.
- Bag 18 can be manufactured according to the preferred teachings of the present invention in the following manner. Specifically, walls 20 and 22 are positioned with their inside surfaces abutting together and with peripheries 20a and 22a aligned. A first, interconnection portion 26a of strip 26 is suitably activated to interconnect walls 20 and 22 together aside from a second, interconnection portion 26b. While first, interconnection portion 26a extends a substantial portion of peripheries 20a and 22a, second, interconnection portion 26b in the preferred form has a radial extent generally equal to one half of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a.
- the partially formed bag 18 can be folded along parallel fold lines 32a and 32b which are radially spaced generally equal to one half of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a and extending from first and second points on opposite sides of and generally coextensive with the ends of portion 26b.
- fold lines 32a and 32b are located on opposite sides of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a and equidistant therefrom.
- bag 18 is divided into a central portion 34a and first and second wings 34b and 34c which are folded to overlay central portion 34a.
- Wings 34b and 34c have a radial width generally equal to one fourth of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a and generally equal to one half of the radial width of central portion 34a. Thus, wings 34b and 34c do not overlay each other when folded to overlay central portion 34a. Bag 18 as folded at this point includes first and second, parallel, straight side edges defined by fold lines 32a and 32b and upper and lower edges which are generally convex defined by peripheries 20a and 22a intermediate fold lines 32a and 32b.
- the partially formed bag 18 can then be folded about a third fold line 36 extending generally perpendicularly between the first and second straight side edges defined by fold lines 32a and 32b and located about one third of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a from the lower edge.
- bag 18 includes a wing 36a which includes the lower parts of portion 34a and wings 34b and 34c and which is folded to overlay wings 34b and 34c, with portion 26b being opposite to wing 36a.
- Bag 18 as folded at this point includes first and second, parallel, straight side edges defined by fold lines 32a and 32b, a straight lower edge defined by fold line 36 extending generally perpendicular to the side edges, and an upper edge which is generally convex defined by peripheries 20a and 22a intermediate fold lines 32a and 32b and including portion 26b.
- portion 26b can be suitably activated to interconnect walls 20 and 22 together.
- walls 20 and 22 are interconnected together around the entire length of peripheries 20a and 22a.
- strip 26 and seal 28 close bag 18 so that the charge in the hollow interior of bag 18 is completely sealed from the environment.
- bag 18 can again be folded about a fourth fold line 38 extending generally perpendicularly between the first and second straight side edges defined by fold lines 32a and 32b and parallel to fold line 36 and located about one third of the diameter of the shape of peripheries 20a and 22a from the upper edge.
- Fold line 38 is located adjacent to peripheries 20a and 22a of wing 36a and is located above the charge in the hollow interior of bag 18.
- bag 18 includes a wing 38a which includes the upper parts of portion 34a and wings 34b and 34c and which is folded to overlay wing 36a. It should be appreciated that due to the folded condition of bag 18, the charge is also generally prevented from passing beyond fold line 38 and into wing 38a but is retained adjacent center 24 of bag 18. Bag 18 as folded at this point is generally rectangular shaped of a size and shape of conventional folded, paper popcorn bags and includes first and second parallel side edges defined by fold lines 32a and 32b, and parallel lower and upper edges defined by fold lines 36 and 38, respectively. In the most preferred form, the folded, charged bag 18 is sealed into a flexible overwrap for packaging and storage. Conventionally, such overwrap is formed by clear or opaque translucent plastic but could be formed by metalized film, sputtered glass/ceramic or other barrier constructions. It of course should be appreciated that typically such overwrap is removed by the consumer just prior to microwave cooking.
- bag 18 the contents or charge of bag 18 are popcorn kernels or any suitable grain such as rice, maze, barley, sorghum, or the like for being popped or puffed when in the microwave oven.
- bag 18 is placed in a microwave oven with bottom wall 20 resting upon the bottom surface of the oven cavity and preferably with bag 18 being partially or completely unfolded by the consumer.
- susceptor patch 30 converts microwave energy into heat, with the heat and remaining microwave energy causing the popping of the kernels and the generation of water vapor/steam.
- the water vapor and heated vapor pressure air cause wings 38a, 36a, 34b and 34c to unfold or to continue to unfold about fold lines 38, 36, 32a and 32b, respectively, so that walls 20 and 22 have a continuous shape.
- Each wall 20 and 22 expand into a bowl, hemispheric or parabolic curve shape from their peripheries 20a and 22a with the inside surfaces of bottom and top walls 20 and 22 being spaced, expanding bag 18 and increasing the interior volume inside of bag 18 for the popped kernels. It can then be appreciated that due to its flexible nature, bag 18 will expand to an opposing, double dome shape.
- Bag 18 is advantageous over prior microwave popcorn bags.
- the pleats of the sides of conventional popcorn packages extend at least partially over the charge of popcorn kernels to be popped.
- the initial microwave energy has to penetrate several layers of material which forms the bag.
- the material is not completely transparent to microwave energy, part of the microwave energy is absorbed by the material which then is generally not available to the charge of popcorn kernels.
- only a single layer of material forming walls 20 and 22 of bag 18 extends over the charge of popcorn kernels generally from the start of microwave cooking.
- the bowl or parabolic curve shape of the inflated bag 18 keeps the unpopped kernels huddled closer together even in more than a single layer at the bottom of the shaped wall 20 and in closer contact with susceptor patch 30 in the preferred form.
- This close nesting or clustering of the unpopped kernels is a very efficient and attractive load for incoming microwaves. Specifically, the cluster load radiates less heat, and temperature increases at a quicker rate. The cluster load has a higher loss tangent (more lossy) than a dispersed load.
- the bowl or parabolic curve shape has a relatively low surface area to volume relationship similar to that of a sphere, walls 20 and 22 include less material which competes for microwave energy with the kernels.
- bag 18 allows the unpopped kernels to settle to the bottom of the shaped wall 20 much like a covered Japanese Wok pan does. Further, the expansion of bag 18 according to the teachings of the present invention generally does not create folds or crevices which capture unpopped kernels and prevent their movement towards the cluster of any other unpopped kernels and/or susceptor patch 30.
- the force of the popping kernels hitting against walls 20 and 22 jostles or vibrates bag 18 which enables the unpopped kernels to fall through the popped kernels and reengage wall 20 and to slide on wall 20 to the bottom thereof.
- the vibration of bag 18 creates agitation of the popped and unpopped kernels in bag 18 resulting in gravimetric separation of the unpopped kernels to the bottom of the popped kernels due to their greater density.
- the bowl or parabolic curve shape of bottom wall 20 enhances the ability of bag 18 to rock in any direction from the force of the popping kernels hitting against walls 20 and 22 to maximize the gravimetric separation of the unpopped kernels to the bottom of the popped kernels.
- the bowl or parabolic curve shape of inflated bag 18 greatly improves popping performance in the diverse microwave ovens available to consumers. As much as a 40% improvement in popping performance was experienced with bag 18 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention compared to paper popcorn bags of conventional shapes under variations l experienced in normal use. These variations include but are not limited to microwave ovens of differing wattage, volume, and/or efficiency, fluctuations in electric current, different magnetrons of the same or different
- susceptor patch 30 is provided as in the preferred form, there is no need to include susceptor patch 30 at locations where unpopped kernels are not. Thus, susceptor patch 30 is located only at the bottom of the shaped wall
- susceptor patch 30 may be shaped to minimize material utilized such as being circular in shape or being
- patch 30 is located within fold lines 32a, 32b, 36, and 38.
- the popped kernels into a wider distribution field. Being spread in the microwave oven cavity, the popped kernels become less attractive and are fairly transparent to the microwave energy. In addition to the less dense load configuration, the popped kernels are able to dissipate
- the round-like profile does not allow bag 18 to get hung up in the corners of the microwave ovens where typically cooler spots exist.
- the round-like shape always continues to rotate on the turntable ovens. This centered and/or rotating positioning of bag 18 allows bag 18 to move so that it is less likely for any particular point in bag 18 to see specific hot spots or electronic nulls and allows the opportunity for the most consistent and uniform distribution of microwave cooking.
- fin seal 28 of the most preferred form partially releases to vent steam from bag 18 during microwave cooking. Additionally, after removal from the microwave oven, the consumer can grasp portions 22b and 22c on opposite sides of seal 28 and pull them apart to further release fin seal 28 and if desired the interconnection between peripheries 20a and 22a adjacent to fin seal 28 in a manner as shown in Figure 9 to allow access to the hollow interior of bag 18 and specifically to the popped popcorn located therein. It can then be appreciated that bag 18 having top wall 22 including the peelable closure clearly functions as a serving bowl. In alternate forms of bag 18, the serving bowl function can be accomplished by fabricating top wall 22 from multiple layers of material.
- top wall 22 is formed from first and second wall portions 22d and 22e which are interconnected by a seal 40.
- portion 22d is generally annular in shape including outer periphery 22a and an inner periphery 22f defining an access opening which is circular in the most preferred form. The size of the access opening should be sufficient to extend a hand into the interior of bag and grasp popped popcorn therefrom.
- Portion 22e is generally circular in shape and includes an outer periphery 22g which is of a shape generally corresponding to periphery 22f but of a size slightly greater than periphery 22f.
- outer periphery 22g includes an extension 42 beyond the otherwise circular shape, with extension 42 being of a size located within outer periphery 22a of top wall 22 in the preferred form shown.
- Seal 40 is annular in shape having an inner diameter corresponding to inner periphery 22f of portion 22d and an outer diameter corresponding to outer periphery 22g of portion 22e.
- Extension 42 in the most preferred form is not adhered and specifically in the form shown is not adhered to portion 22d or any other portions of top wall 22 or bag 18.
- seal 40 includes a first, peelable closure portion 40a which has an arcuate extent generally equal to the circumferential extent of extension 42 and a second, interconnection portion 40b extending the remaining circumferential extent of seal 40.
- portion 40a fails during microwave cooking to provide venting and to allow ease of separation when desired to open bag 18 whereas portion 40b as well as adhesive strip 26 remain secured during microwave cooking.
- Bag 18 of Figures 10 and 11 can be manufactured according to the preferred teachings of the present invention in the following manner. Specifically, portion 22e is positioned to overlie portion 22d, and portions 22d and 22e are positioned to overlie wall 20. Interconnection portion 26a of strip 26 and seal 40 are suitably activated to interconnect portions 22d and 22e to form wall 22 and to interconnect walls 20 and 22.
- bag 18 After activation of first, interconnection portion 26a and seal 40, bag 18 according to the teachings of the present invention can be folded, filled, sealed, folded, and overwrapped in generally the manner as set forth in Figures 3-7. Bag 18 of Figures 10 and 11 will expand to an opposing, double dome shape in a similar manner as bag 18 of Figures 1, 8, and 9. Thus, the advantages of the bowl, hemisphere, or parabolic curve shape are also obtained by inflated bag 18 of Figures 10 and 11 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.
- portion 40a of seal 40 partially releases during microwave cooking to vent steam from bag 18 during microwave cooking whereas adhesive strip 26 and portion 40b remain secured.
- the consumer can grasp extension 42 between the consumer's thumb and one or more fingers of one hand and pull upwardly and diametrically, with extension 42 being free of adhesive securement resulting in advantages in its ability to be grasped.
- bag 18 can be held by the consumer's other hand such as by grasping the rim defined by adhesive strip 26 between walls 20 and 22 at the circumferential position corresponding to extension 42.
- portion 40a Due to the peelable nature of portion 40a, initial movement of extension 42 will release any remaining securement of portion 40a so that the part of portion 22e overlying portion 22d and portion 40a will separate from portion 22d without tearing. However, with continued movement of extension 42 and due to the greater securement of portion 40b in the most preferred form, portion 22d will tend to tear following the outer periphery of seal 40 in a manner as best seen in Figure 11 rather than having portion 22e separate from portion 22d. In the most preferred form, portion 22e (and any parts of portion 22d corresponding to seal 40 and which are torn off) is completely removed from the remaining portions of bag 18. After removal of portion 22e, portion 22d acts like an annular rim in holding the remaining portions of bag 18 in a serving bowl function.
- the serving bowl function is accomplished by the peelable closure formed by fin seal 28 and by the multipaper fabrication provided by portions 22d and 22e in most preferred forms, the serving bowl function can be formed by other manners including by using perforations, tear strips, cut scoring, thinning sealant, and controlled delamination according to the teachings of the present invention.
- the peelable closure in top wall 22 is believed to be advantageous at least because of the serving bowl function, the peelable closure which fails during microwave cooking to provide venting can be formed at other locations such as in portion 26b.
- bottom and top walls 20 and 22 can be pulled apart to separate any remaining securement of portion 26b and to separate portion 26a in an amount as desired such as to a circumferential extent allowing the popped popcorn to be poured therefrom or completely removing top wall 22 from bottom wall 20 so that bottom wall 20 performs a serving bowl function.
- walls 20 and 22 are interconnected directly together adjacent to peripheries 20a and 22a in the most preferred form shown in Figures 1-3 and 8-12
- walls 20 and 22 according to the teachings of the present invention could be interconnected together by their interconnection to a side wall which accordions during the expansion of bag 18 to increase the size of the hollow interior of bag 18 in its expanded condition.
- walls 20 and 22 of bag 18 could be interconnected together by their interconnection to gussetted side panels 50 and 52 added on opposite sides of walls 20 and 22 such as in a manner shown in Figures 13-16.
- gussetted side panels 50 and 52 each comprises first and second side panel portions 50a and 50b and 52a and 52b joined along fold lines 50c and 52c, respectively.
- fold lines 50c and 52c are linearly straight.
- Portions 50a, 50b, 52a, and 52b of panels 50 and 52 include peripheries 50ad, 50bd, 52ad, and 52bd which are arcuate in shape corresponding to the peripheries 20a and 22a of walls 20 and 22.
- Peripheries 50ad and 52ad are interconnected to periphery 20a and peripheries 50bd and 52bd are interconnected to periphery 22a such as by adhesive strip 26, with fold lines 50c and 52c being in a spaced, parallel relation.
- the maximum width of portions 50a, 50b, 52a, and 52b between peripheral edges 50ad, 50bd, 52ad, and 52bd generally perpendicular to fold lines 50c and 52c is less than one half of the maximum diametric size of peripheries 20a and 20b generally perpendicular to fold lines 50c and 52c.
- the widths of gussetted side panels 50 and 52 are substantially less than the widths of the pleats of conventional popcorn package and specifically in a manner so as to minimize or eliminate extending over susceptor patch 30 and/or the charge of popcorn kernels to be popped.
- portions 50a, 50b, 52a, and 52b can have widths of a size relative to the diametric size of walls 20 and 22 which is different than shown according to the teachings of the present invention.
- Bag 18 of Figures 13-16 can be manufactured according to the preferred teachings of the present invention in the following manner.
- side panels 50 and 52 are folded about fold lines 50c and 50d such that the outside surfaces of portions 50a and 52a overlie the outside surfaces of portions 50b and 52b.
- Walls 20 and 22 are positioned with their inside surfaces abutting together intermediate fold lines 50c and 52c, with the inside surface of wall 20 abutting with the inside surfaces of portions 50a and 52a and the inside surface of wall 22 abutting with the inside surfaces of portions 50b and 52b and with peripheries 20a, 22a, 50ad, 50bd, 52ad, and 52bd aligned.
- interconnection portion 26a of strip 26 is suitably activated to interconnect walls 20 and 22 together intermediate fold lines 50c and 50d adjacent peripheries 20a and 22a aside from second, interconnection portion 26b, to interconnect wall 20 to portions 50a and 52a adjacent peripheries 20a, 50ad and 52ad and to interconnect wall 22 to portions 50b and 52b adjacent peripheries 22a, 50bd and 52bd.
- bag 18 according to the teachings of the present invention can be folded, filled, sealed, folded, and overwrapped in generally the manner as set forth in Figures 3-7.
- bag 18, including bag 18 having gussetted side panels 50 and 52 can be manufactured in other manners according to the teachings of the present invention.
- a single rollstock of microwave bag material could be provided with susceptor patch 30 (if desired) and adhesive strip 26 printed in the appropriate locations.
- the edges of the rollstock could be folded inward and lap or fin sealed to form a tube, and if desired, the gussets could be folded inward.
- the tube would then be heat-sealed and die-cut into the appropriate round-like shape.
- each component of bag 18 could be formed from separate rollstocks and cut to shape either before or after activation of adhesive strip 26.
- gussetted side panels 50 and 52 can include additional panel portions having the same or differing widths .
- outer peripheries 20a and 22a of walls 20 and 22 have round-like shapes in the form of an oval.
- peripheries 20a and 22a of walls 20 and 22 and peripheries 50ad, 50bd, 52ad, and 52bd of side panels 50 and 52 include peripheral extensions 54 which extend beyond the round-like shape of peripheries 20a and 22a and adhesive strip 26 adjacent the opposite ends of second, interconnection portion 26b.
- Bag 18 shown in Figures 13-16 is similarly advantageous as previously set forth as well is advantageous for other reasons. Specifically, during the popping of the popcorn kernels and the expansion of bag 18, gussetted side panels 50 and 52 will unfold along fold lines 50c and 52c so that panel portions 50a and 50b and panel portions 52a and 52b tend to approach a planar condition. However, even with the provision of gussetted side panels 50 and 52, walls 20 and 22 as the result of the expression of bag 18 expand into a bowl, hemispheric or parabolic curve shape from their peripheries 20a and 22a.
- the advantages of the bowl, hemisphere, or parabolic curve shape of inflated bag 13 are obtained according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.
- bag 18 of Figures 13-16 tends to have a circular shape in an expanded condition when viewed from the top looking down.
- the peelable closure is formed in the interconnection between walls 20 and 22 and intermediate gussetted side panels 50 and 52, and bag 18 is opened utilizing a cross pinch-pull technique similar to conventional rectangular microwave popcorn bags.
- portion 26b is formed as a peelable closure which fails during microwave cooking to provide venting and to allow ease of separation when desired to open bag 18.
- the corners defined generally at the interconnection of wall 20 and panel portion 50a (and in the most preferred form at the peripheral extensions 54 thereof) is pinched between the thumb and forefinger of one of the consumer's hands and the corner defined generally at the interconnection of wall 22 and panel portion 52b (and in the most preferred form at peripheral extensions 54 thereof) is pinched between the thumb and forefinger of the other of the consumer's hands and the corners are pulled apart to release adhesive strip 26 l between wall 20 and panel portion 52a, between wall 22 and panel portion 50b and between walls 20 and 22. Then, bag 18 is grasped at the opposite corners defined generally at the interconnection of wall 20 and panel portion 52a and
- Adhesive strip 26 can be opened as little or as much as the consumer chooses ie a narrow opening facilitates pouring into a bowl whereas a wide opening facilitates easy eating directly out of bag 18. As consumers are accustomed to utilizing cross pinch-pull
- top wall 22 can be formed from a single integral component according to the teachings of the present invention and specifically without the added expense of fabrication from multiple pieces required for fin seal 28
- 3 0 invention also provides a serving bowl function but in a different manner than bags 18 shown in Figures 1, 8, 9, 11 and 12.
- walls 20 and 22 intermediate fold lines 50c and 52c extend at a relatively large diameter arc generally
- portions 50a and 50b and portions 52a and 52b which are unfolded relative to each other extend at a relatively large diameter arc generally parallel to adhesive strip 26 intermediate fold lines 50c and 52c.
- a relatively flat support surface is defined thereby which can be placed on a table, counter, or the like to hold bag 18 with walls 20 and 22 extending generally vertically and in a stable, non-tipping manner.
- the serving bowl function of bag 18 of Figures 13-16 can be further enhanced by folding walls 20 and/or 22 and/or side panels 50 and/or 52 about a fold line above the volume of popped popcorn so that the inside surfaces thereof abut in a manner as shown in Figure 15.
- adhesive strip 26 between side panels 50 and 52 and walls 20 and 22 can be separated by the consumer to an extent generally equal to the level of the popped popcorn. When so folded, the hand of the consumer would be less prone to rubbing against residual oil or grease on the inside surfaces of bag 18 while removing popcorn from bag 18 as the outer surface of side panels 50 and 52 and walls 20 and 22 would be what would be inadvertently touched.
- Extensions 42 and 54 provide multiple functions according to the preferred teachings of the present invention.
- extensions 54 extend from the inflated bag 18 in a generally radial fashion, with both extensions 42 and 54 creating a visual indication where bag 18 should be opened as extensions 42 and 54 have the appearance as handle tabs.
- extensions 42 and 54 provide increased area for grasping and gripping by the consumer. Also, as extensions 54 are located outwardly of adhesive strip 26 and the interior of bag 18, extensions 54 do not have the tendency to be hot to the touch as other portions of bag 18 which have direct contact with the popped popcorn.
- extensions 54 provide increased consumer safety from contacting hot surfaces. Similar consumer safety is also provided by extension 42. It should be appreciated that due to the round-like shape of periphery 22g of portion 22e of wall 22 and of peripheries 20a and 22a of walls 20 and 22 and the arcuate shape of peripheries 50ad, 50bd, 52ad, and 52bd and since walls 20 and 22 and side panels 50 and 52 are typically cut from continuous rollstock, extensions 42 and 54 according to the teachings of the present invention are formed from otherwise unused and discarded portions of the rollstock so that no additional cost is encountered in providing extensions 42 and 54.
- Extensions 42 and 54 would have similar application to bags 18 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention which do not include gusseted side panels 50 and 52.
- extensions 54 could be formed on peripheries 20a and 22a for separating adhesive strip 26 therebetween.
- extensions 54 could be formed as a continuous piece centered on the desired peelable closure.
- extensions 56 could be formed on the edges of portions 22b and 26c at fin seal 28 such as shown in Figure 17 for grasping by the consumer in pulling the opposite sides of seal 28 when fin seal 28 provides the peelable closure.
- bag 18 can be manufactured, filled and/or folded in other manners according to the teachings of the present invention. In this regard, it may be desirable to fold or otherwise configure bag 18 to have a final shape which is different than other conventional shapes to emphasize the uniqueness of bag 18 in the marketing thereof.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/954,244 US5958482A (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1997-10-20 | Easily expandable nontrapping flexible paper microwavable popcorn package |
US954244 | 1997-10-20 | ||
US09/090,590 US6066346A (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1998-05-22 | Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package |
US90590 | 1998-05-22 | ||
PCT/US1998/021912 WO1999020542A1 (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1998-10-16 | Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1047614A1 true EP1047614A1 (en) | 2000-11-02 |
EP1047614B1 EP1047614B1 (en) | 2005-12-07 |
Family
ID=26782440
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98953628A Expired - Lifetime EP1047614B1 (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1998-10-16 | Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1047614B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1113027C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE312025T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU749483B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9804406A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69832726D1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1032943A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999020542A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CZ9804185A3 (en) * | 1998-12-16 | 2001-12-12 | Toma Trade, Spol. S R. O. | Wrapper and use thereof |
US6306448B1 (en) * | 1999-07-15 | 2001-10-23 | 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 |
US6660983B2 (en) | 2001-08-31 | 2003-12-09 | General Mills, Inc. | Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3115179C2 (en) * | 1981-04-15 | 1985-06-13 | Focke & Co, 2810 Verden | Hose-shaped web (material hose) made of packaging material for the production of cuboid-shaped collapsible containers, each with a pouring spout on the top wall |
US4453665A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1984-06-12 | Champion International Corporation | Container for expandable food pouch |
US4734288A (en) * | 1984-11-29 | 1988-03-29 | E. A. Sween Company | Package for expandable food product |
EP0294087A3 (en) * | 1987-06-05 | 1989-06-07 | Nabisco Brands, Inc. | Microwave popcorn product with serving bowl feature |
US4911938A (en) * | 1988-08-22 | 1990-03-27 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Conformable wrap susceptor with releasable seal for microwave cooking |
US5171950A (en) * | 1989-09-11 | 1992-12-15 | General Mills, Inc. | Flexible pouch and paper bag combination for use in the microwave popping of popcorn |
JP2525683B2 (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1996-08-21 | 株式会社ヨシユキ企劃 | Popcorn manufacturing bag |
US5294764A (en) * | 1992-02-24 | 1994-03-15 | Lawrence Mass | Reusable microwave popcorn container for popping and dispensing corn karnels and recreational use |
-
1998
- 1998-10-16 CN CN98812457A patent/CN1113027C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-10-16 DE DE69832726T patent/DE69832726D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-16 EP EP98953628A patent/EP1047614B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-16 WO PCT/US1998/021912 patent/WO1999020542A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-10-16 AU AU10956/99A patent/AU749483B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1998-10-16 AT AT98953628T patent/ATE312025T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-10-20 BR BR9804406-0A patent/BR9804406A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2001
- 2001-04-23 HK HK01102886A patent/HK1032943A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO9920542A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU749483B2 (en) | 2002-06-27 |
AU1095699A (en) | 1999-05-10 |
EP1047614B1 (en) | 2005-12-07 |
HK1032943A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 |
CN1113027C (en) | 2003-07-02 |
WO1999020542A1 (en) | 1999-04-29 |
BR9804406A (en) | 1999-11-09 |
CN1282302A (en) | 2001-01-31 |
ATE312025T1 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
DE69832726D1 (en) | 2006-01-12 |
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