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
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
• • 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
  • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
  • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
  • B65D81/261—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for draining or collecting liquids without absorbing them
• • 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
  • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
  • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
  • B65D81/261—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for draining or collecting liquids without absorbing them
  • B65D81/262—Rigid containers having false bottoms provided with passages for draining and receiving liquids
• • 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
• • 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
  • B65D81/3453—Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
• • 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
  • B65D2581/3405—Cooking bakery products
  • B65D2581/3406—Pizza or bread
• • 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
  • B65D2581/344—Geometry or shape factors influencing the microwave heating properties
• • 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
  • B65D2581/3455—Packages having means for improving the internal circulation of air
  • B65D2581/3456—Means for holding the contents at a distance from the base of the package, e.g. raised islands or protrusions
• • 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
  • B65D2581/3498—Microwave susceptor attached to the base surface

Definitions

• the present invention relates to various materials, packages, constructs, and systems for heating or cooking a food item in a microwave oven.
• the invention relates to various materials, packages, constructs, and systems for heating or cooking a food item in a microwave oven, where the food item has an irregular surface.
• Microwave ovens provide a convenient means for heating a variety of food items, including numerous dough-based and potato-based frozen convenience food items. Unfortunately, in many instances, such items tend to bow, dome, or otherwise warp during the freezing process instead of remaining in their original shape. As a result, many presently available microwave energy interactive packages are unable to provide sufficient contact with the surface of the food item to provide the desired balance of thorough heating with a browned, crisp outer surface. Thus, there is a need for improved materials and packages that provide the desired degree of heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item having a contoured or irregular surface.
• the present invention is directed generally to various blanks for forming a microwave energy interactive tray, package, system, or other construct (collectively “constructs"), various constructs formed therefrom, various methods of making such constructs, and various methods of heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item having a contoured or irregular surface in a microwave oven.
• the various constructs may include one or more features that enhance microwave heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item.
• the various constructs also may include one or more features that accommodate the contours of a food item having an irregular surface, for example, a domed or bowed surface.
• the various constructs may include one or more elevated or raised portions that bring the microwave enhancing features into closer proximity to the surface of the food item. In some instances, such raised portions may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to create the visual appearance of grill marks.
• the various constructs may include one or more features that allow moisture generated during the heating process to be vented away from the food item, thereby further enhancing browning and/or crisping.
• the construct may include one or more venting channels extending across at least a portion of the elevated portions.
• the elevation patterns, the spacing between elevated portions, the height of the elevations, and the width and depth of the spaces therebetween may be selected based on the type of food item to be heated and the desired cooking effect. For example, greater or fewer elevated portions may be provided, depending on, for example, the degree of irregularity of the surface of the food item to be browned and/or crisped, the moisture content of the food item, the thickness of the food item, characteristics of the food item (e.g., fat content), and the surface area occupied by the food item.
• the construct may include one or more depressed portions (as viewed from one side of the construct) corresponding to the elevated portion in the other side of the construct. Where such depressed portions are in the bottom of a construct that, in use, lie adjacent the bottom of a microwave oven, such depressions may provide an insulating air gap that reduces heat loss from the microwave energy interactive element to the microwave oven floor and further enhances heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
• the elevated portions may be formed using any suitable method, process, or technique.
• the contours may be formed using a mechanical and/or thermal pressing process. In such a process, a blank typically is cut to the desired size and shape and placed into a forming mold or die with male and female sides. The male and female sides of the die are brought together, thereby applying pressure to the blank and deforming the blank to create the desired pattern of contours.
• FIGS. 1A-1D depict an exemplary construct, in this example, a disk or tray 100, according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 100 is substantially circular in shape, and is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline CL and a transverse centerline CT.
• the tray may have a triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or any other regular and irregular shape.
• the tray may include no lines of symmetry, a single line of symmetry, or multiple lines of symmetry.
• the tray 100 includes a somewhat planar peripheral rim or base 102, and a pair of opposed raised portions or platforms 104 that serve as surfaces for receiving one or more food items (not shown) thereon.
• the raised portions 104 are separated by a recess 106 that lies substantially within the same plane as the rim 102. In this example, the recess 106 lies along the transverse centerline CT. However, the recess 106 may have any other suitable shape or position, as needed or desired for a particular application.
• each platform 104 is substantially semi-circular in shape, suitable for receiving, for example, a half panini or other sandwich thereon.
• each platform 104 includes a top surface or face 108 (also referred to as "uppermost surface” and “heating surface”), a somewhat upstanding interior face 110, a somewhat upstanding exterior face 112, and a pair of opposed corner faces 114.
• the various faces 108, 110, 112, and 114 are described as being individual faces or surfaces merely for purposes of simplicity and ease of description, and that such faces or surfaces may be substantially continuous and without having a defined boundary between them.
• the platform may have any desired shape, and that numerous other regular and irregular shapes are contemplated hereby.
• each platform 104 extends obliquely, sloping outwardly and downwardly, and tapers in height from the top face 108 towards the recess 106 or rim 102, respectively.
• corner faces 114 slope outwardly and downwardly from the top face 108 towards the recess 106 and/or rim 102, such that the corner face 114 has a generally rounded or convex shape.
• the various faces that define the platform in accordance with the invention may be substantially upright, or may taper inwardly and downwardly from the platform, if needed or desired for a particular application.
• one or both platforms 104 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
• each platform 104 is uniform in height H1 when viewed along the longitudinal centerline CL of the tray 100, as shown in FIG. 1C, and is bowed or crowned when viewed along the interior face 110 of the platform 104, as shown in FIG. 1D, such that the platform 104 and therefore, the top surface 108, decreases in height, from the longitudinal centerline CL towards each of the corner faces 114.
• Such a tray 100 may be particularly well-suited for use with food items that have a somewhat bowed shape, such as frozen dough based food items (e.g., sandwiches, pizzas, etc.).
• the tray 100 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, and L8, and radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, and R3, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 104 may be substantially identical, such that the tray 100 is substantially symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline CL, or may differ, such that the tray 100 is not symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline CL.
• the dimensions of each platform 104 may be substantially identical, such that the tray 100 is substantially symmetrical across each side of the transverse centerline CT, or may differ, such that the tray 100 is not symmetrical across each side of the transverse centerline CT.
• any of the various trays of the invention may include features that alter the effect of microwave energy during the heating or cooking of the food item.
• any of the trays may be formed at least partially from one or more microwave energy interactive elements (sometimes referred to as "microwave interactive elements") that promote browning and/or crisping of a particular area of the food item, shield a particular area of the food item from microwave energy to prevent overcooking thereof, or transmit microwave energy towards or away from a particular area of the food item.
• microwave interactive element comprises one or more microwave energy interactive materials or segments arranged in a particular configuration to absorb microwave energy, transmit microwave energy, reflect microwave energy, or direct microwave energy, as needed or desired for a particular microwave heating construct and food item.
• the microwave interactive element may be supported on a microwave inactive or transparent substrate for ease of handling and/or to prevent contact between the microwave interactive material and the food item, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
• a microwave interactive element supported on a microwave transparent substrate includes both microwave interactive and microwave inactive elements or components, such structures may be referred to herein as "microwave interactive webs".
• the microwave interactive element may comprise a thin layer of microwave interactive material that tends to absorb microwave energy, thereby generating heat at the interface with a food item.
• Such elements often are used to promote browning and/or crisping of the surface of a food item.
• a film or other substrate such an element may be referred to collectively with the substrate as a "susceptor film” or sometimes, simply, "susceptor”.
• a microwave energy interactive element 116 for example, a susceptor, may overlie all or a portion of each platform 104, including all or a portion of the top surface 108, recess 106, interior face 110, and/or corner faces 114 of one or both platforms 104.
• a susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element also may overlie all or a portion of exterior face 112.
• the susceptor is supported on a polymer film
• the polymer film substrate may overlie additional portions or substantially the entire tray, with the microwave energy interactive element (i.e., the susceptor) positioned between the substrate and the particular tray component in the desired location to heat, brown, and/or crisp the food item.
• the microwave energy interactive element i.e., the susceptor
• a tray according to the invention can be pressed or otherwise formed from a multilayer structure comprising the susceptor film joined to the material used to form the tray.
• one or more food items F typically are placed on each platform and placed into a microwave oven (not shown).
• the food item is a sandwich that has been separated into two sections, each including a piece of bread and one or more toppings in an "open face" configuration.
• the food item is a pizza, which has been separated into, or provided as, two separate pieces, slices, or portions.
• the food item is a single item, for example, a pizza, that has not been divided into separate pieces, slices, or portions. In such an example, the pizza may overlie both platforms and the recess therebetween.
• the tray may include a single platform having a generally circular shape to accommodate the doming of circular pizza.
• the platform may have an overall domed configuration, such that the height of the platform decreases in any direction from the center of the platform outwardly towards the base of the tray.
• the tray may include a plurality of platforms, each intended to receive one or more of a plurality of items, or one or more portions of a plurality of items, to be heated.
• the food items are positioned on the heating surface 108 of each platform 104 with the surface to be browned and/or crisped, for example, the bread or pizza crust, adjacent to the tray 100.
• the contoured heating surface 108 of the platform 104 generally accommodates the contoured surface of the food item, which often is prone to bowing during the freezing process, and brings the susceptor into closer proximity to the surface of the food item to be browned and/or crisped.
• the food item or items may be slightly larger than the respective platform, in this example, platform 104, and therefore, the food may extend slightly beyond the "boundaries" of the heating surface, in this example, top face 108.
• any such portion of the food item extending beyond the heating surface may flex downwardly and be brought into proximate and/or intimate contact with the various upstanding faces of the platform, for example, faces 110, 112, and/or 114.
• a microwave energy interactive element for example, a susceptor
• the faces may serve as heating surfaces to enhance browning and/or crisping of the corresponding portions of the food item.
• the susceptor converts microwave energy to thermal energy, which then is transferred to the adjacent surface of the food item.
• the browning and/or crisping of the surface of the food item can be enhanced.
• platforms 104 maintain the food item in a position elevated from the floor or turntable of the microwave oven, which reduces the amount of sensible heat transferred from the susceptor to the ambient environment of the microwave oven and further enhances browning and/or crisping.
• any of the numerous microwave interactive elements described herein or contemplated hereby may be substantially continuous, that is, without substantial breaks or interruptions, or may be discontinuous, for example, by including one or more breaks or apertures that transmit microwave energy therethrough.
• the breaks or apertures may be sized and positioned to heat particular areas of the food item selectively. The number, shape, size, and positioning of such breaks or apertures may vary for a particular application depending on type of tray or other construct being formed, the food item to be heated therein or thereon, the desired degree of shielding, browning, and/or crisping, whether direct exposure to microwave energy is needed or desired to attain uniform heating of the food item, the need for regulating the change in temperature of the food item through direct heating, and whether and to what extent there is a need for venting.
• the aperture may be a physical aperture or void in the material used to form the construct, or may be a non-physical "aperture".
• a non-physical aperture may be a portion of the tray that is microwave energy inactive by deactivation or otherwise, or one that is otherwise transparent to microwave energy.
• the aperture may be a portion of the tray formed without a microwave energy active material or, alternatively, may be a portion of the tray formed with a microwave energy active material that has been deactivated. While both physical and non-physical apertures allow the food item to be heated directly by the microwave energy, a physical aperture also provides a venting function to allow steam or other vapors to be released from the food item.
• FIGS. 2-5 illustrate numerous examples of microwave energy interactive trays according to the invention that include one or more discontinuities in the microwave energy interactive element.
• the various trays 200, 300, 400, and 500 include features that are similar to tray 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "2" (FIG. 2), "3" (FIG. 3), “4" (FIG. 4), or "5" (FIG. 5) instead of a "1".
• the microwave energy interactive element 216 comprises a plurality of spaced susceptor bands or stripes (shown by stippling) extending obliquely across the transverse centerline CL of the tray 200, with microwave inactive or transparent areas 218 therebetween.
• the bands may have any width, orientation, and configuration as desired.
• the microwave energy interactive bands may form a corresponding plurality of darkened areas on the outer surface of the food item. Such marks may resemble grill marks, such as with a panini grill.
• the arrangement of microwave energy interactive and microwave energy transparent areas may be selected to provide various levels of heating, as needed or desired for a particular application. For example, where greater heating is desired, the total inactive area may be increased. In doing so, more microwave energy is transmitted to the food item. Alternatively, by decreasing the total inactive area, more microwave energy is absorbed by the microwave energy interactive areas, converted into thermal energy, and transmitted to the surface of the food item to enhance browning and/or crisping.
• the microwave energy interactive element 316 comprises a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced susceptor squares (shown by stippling) with a grid-like arrangement of microwave energy transparent areas 318 therebetween. It will be understood that the dimensions of the susceptor squares and the spaces therebetween may vary for a particular application. Furthermore, it will be understood that the susceptor elements need not be in the shape of a square. Other shapes are contemplated hereby. In this example, the pattern of browning on the exterior surface of a food item may resemble a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced squares.
• the microwave energy interactive element 416 comprises a plurality of concentric susceptor rings (shown by stippling) with microwave energy transparent areas or rings 418 therebetween.
• the pattern of browning on the exterior surface of a food item may resemble a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced half circles, for example, where each food item overlies only one platform 404, or a plurality of partial concentric circles, for example, where the food item overlies both platforms 404 and extends across recess 406.
• a plurality of physical apertures 520 extend through the thickness of the tray 500 and interrupt the microwave energy interactive element 516.
• the apertures 520 are in the form of elongate slots that extend obliquely across the platforms 504.
• the apertures may have any suitable shape, for example, circular, square, triangular, oval, oblong, or any other regular or irregular shape, may have any suitable configuration, for example, random, tiled, staggered, concentric rings, and may have any suitable placement, for example, central, peripheral, or throughout all or a portion of the tray.
• the pattern of browning may include plurality of obliquely oriented, darkened areas on the outer surface of the food item. Such darkened areas may resemble grill marks.
• any of the various trays of the invention may include a microwave energy interactive element, for example, a susceptor, that renders the tray microwave energy interactive.
• the microwave energy interactive element may be substantially continuous, may have one or more interruptions or discontinuities.
• Such interruptions or discontinuities may include non-physical apertures and/or physical (venting) apertures, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, or may have any other pattern, arrangement, or configuration.
• the precise combination of features may be selected as needed or desired to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of a particular food item. While such elements may be discussed below in connection with some of the various trays of the invention, such elements are not shown in the remaining figures.
• any of the various trays of the invention may include one or more venting channels that allow moisture to escape from the food item, thereby further enhancing the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
• FIGS. 6A-6D schematically illustrate still another exemplary disk or tray 600 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 600 includes features that are similar to tray 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "6" instead of a "1".
• a pair of substantially parallel channels 616 extends across the top face 608 of each platform 604 between, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face 608 and the exterior face 612.
• the channels 616 are substantially parallel to and substantially evenly spaced about the longitudinal centerline CL, and substantially perpendicular to the transverse centerline CT.
• the channels may have any orientation needed or desired for a particular application.
• the channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the channels have a depth that is less than the height of the top face, such that the bottom of at least one channel lies above the plane of the rim and/or recess of the tray.
• one or both platforms 604 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
• the height H1 of each platform 604 is substantially uniform when viewed along the longitudinal centerline CL of the tray 600, as shown in FIG. 6C, and varies in height when viewed along the interior face 610 of the platform 604, as shown in FIG. 6D.
• the height of the platform 604, and therefore the height of the top face 608, tapers or decreases when viewed from the longitudinal centerline CL toward the each of the corner faces 610.
• other shapes and contours are contemplated.
• the tray 600 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2 , lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9, and radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, and R4, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 604 may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 600.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 604, including all or a portion of each top face 608, interior face 610, exterior face 612, and/or corner face 614, all or a portion of recess 606, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 616.
• one or more food items typically are placed on each platform and placed into a microwave oven (not shown).
• the contoured heating surface 608 of the platform 604 generally accommodates the contoured surface of the food item, which may vary as a result of the freezing process, and brings the susceptor into closer proximity to the surface of the food item to be browned and/or crisped.
• the susceptor converts microwave energy to thermal energy, which then is transferred to the adjacent surface of the food item.
• the browning and/or crisping of the surface of the food item may be enhanced. At least some of any steam released from the food item may be carried away from the food item along channels 616, thereby further enhancing browning and/or crisping.
• platforms 604 maintain the food item in an elevated position, which reduces the amount of sensible heat transferred from the susceptor to the ambient environment of the microwave oven, still further enhancing the browning and/or crisping of the food item.
• the pattern of browning and/or crisping may include an overall darkened appearance with somewhat lighter areas corresponding to the areas overlying channels 616.
• FIGS. 7A-7D schematically depict still another exemplary tray 700 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 700 includes features that are similar to tray 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and tray 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "7" instead of a "1" or "6", respectively.
• the tray 700 includes a plurality of walls 718 extending substantially upwardly from the rim or flange 702, which serves as a base or lowermost portion of the tray 700. If desired, the walls 718 may be terminated with a lip 720. If desired, a microwave energy interactive element (not shown) may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 700. For example, a susceptor (not shown) may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 704, including all or a portion of each top face 708, interior face 710, exterior face 712, and/or corner face 714, all or a portion of recess 706, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 716.
• Such a tray 700 may be suitable for use, for example, where the food item to be heated, browned, and/or crisped includes components that may otherwise fall from a tray without walls, or where it is desired that the tray serve as a container from which the food item is consumed.
• the tray 700 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, and L11, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the specifications of each platform 704 may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
• FIGS. 8A-8D schematically illustrate another exemplary disk or tray 800 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 800 includes features that are similar to tray 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and tray 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with an "8" instead of a "1" or "6", respectively.
• the tray 800 includes four substantially parallel channels 816 or indentations extending across the top face 808 of each platform 804, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face 810 and the exterior face 812.
• additional channels 816 may be desirable where additional venting is needed to attain the desired degree of browning and/or crisping of a food item prepared thereon.
• the channels 816 may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the tray 800 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, and L10, and radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, and R4 each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 804 may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 800.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 804, including all or a portion of each top face 808, interior face 810, exterior face 812, and/or corner face 814, all or a portion of recess 806, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 816.
• the resulting pattern of browning and/or crisping may include an overall darkened appearance with somewhat lighter areas corresponding to the areas overlying channels 816, generally resembling grill marks.
• FIGS. 9A-9E schematically depict another exemplary tray 900 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 900 includes features that are similar to tray 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D), tray 600 (FIGS. 6A-6D), and tray 800 (FIGS. 8A-8D), except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• tray 100 FIGGS. 1A-1D
• tray 600 FIGGS. 6A-6D
• tray 800 FIGS. 8A-8D
• the tray 900 includes four substantially parallel channels 916 or indentations extending obliquely across the top face 908 of each platform 904, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face 910 and the exterior face 912.
• additional channels 916 may be desirable where additional venting is needed to attain the desired degree of browning and/or crisping of a food item prepared thereon.
• the tray 900 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, and L8, and radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, and R4 each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 904 may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 900.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 904, including all or a portion of each top face 908, interior face 910, exterior face 912, and/or corner face 914, all or a portion of recess 906, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 916.
• the resulting pattern of browning and/or crisping may include an overall darkened appearance with somewhat lighter, obliquely oriented areas corresponding to the areas overlying channels 916, generally resembling grill marks.
• FIGS. 10A-10D schematically illustrate another exemplary tray 1000 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1000 includes features that are similar to tray 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D), tray 600 (FIGS. 6A-6D), and tray 800 (FIGS. 8A-8D), except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• tray 100 FIGGS. 1A-1D
• tray 600 FIGGS. 6A-6D
• tray 800 FIGS. 8A-8D
• the platforms 1004 have a substantially planar top face 1008, as best seen in FIGS. 10C and 10D.
• a tray 1000 may be particularly well-suited for use with food items that have a substantially planar surface.
• the tray 1000 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, and L10, and radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, and R4, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• FIGS. 11A-11E schematically illustrate yet another exemplary tray 1100 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1100 is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline CL and a transverse centerline CT.
• the tray may include no lines of symmetry, a single line of symmetry, or multiple lines of symmetry, as needed or desired for a particular application.
• the tray 1100 is substantially square in shape with somewhat rounded corners 1102.
• the tray 1100 includes a somewhat planar peripheral rim or base 1104, which serves as a base or lowermost portion of the tray 1100, and a plurality of walls 1106 extending substantially upwardly from the rim 1104. If desired, the walls 1106 may be terminated with a lip 1108.
• a tray 1100 may be suitable for use, for example, where the food item to be heated, browned, and/or crisped includes components that may otherwise fall from a tray without walls, or where it is desired that the tray serve as a container from which the food item is consumed.
• the tray 1100 includes a pair of opposed raised portions or platforms 1110 that serve as surfaces for receiving one or more food items (not shown) thereon.
• the platforms 1110 are separated by a recess 1112 that lies substantially within the same plane as the rim 1104. In this example, the recess 1112 lies along the transverse centerline CT. However, the recess 1112 may have any other suitable position, as needed or desired for a particular application.
• the platforms 1110 optionally may be separated further by a divider 1114 extending upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the recess 1112. The divider 1114 may assist the user with proper placement of the food items on the tray 1100 to achieve the desired level heating, browning, and/or crisping, and may assist with maintaining the food items in the proper location on the tray 1100 during the heating cycle.
• the platforms 1110 are somewhat elongate and rectangular in shape with rounded corners 1116.
• Each platform 1110 includes a top surface or face 1118 (also referred to as “uppermost surface” and “heating surface”), a somewhat upstanding interior face 1120, a somewhat upstanding exterior face 1122, and a pair of opposed corner faces 1124.
• the various faces 1118, 1120, 1122, and 1124 are described as being individual faces or surfaces merely for purposes of simplicity and ease of description, and that such faces or surfaces may be substantially continuous and without having a defined boundary between them.
• the shape of the exterior surface 1122 in top plan view generally corresponds to or "tracks" the shape of the upstanding walls 1106.
• the interior face 1120 and exterior face 1122 of each platform 1110 extend obliquely or slope, outwardly and downwardly, from the respective platform 1110 towards the recess 1112 or rim 1104, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 11C.
• the various faces that form the platform in accordance with the invention may be substantially upright, or may taper inwardly and downwardly from the platform, if needed or desired for a particular application.
• one or both platforms 1110 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
• the thickness of each platform 1110, and therefore the height H1 of each top face 1118 is substantially uniform when viewed along the longitudinal centerline CL of the tray 1100, as shown in FIG. 11C, and varies in height when viewed along the interior face 1120 of the platform 1110, as shown in FIG. 11D.
• the thickness of the platform 1110, and therefore the height of the top face 1118 decreases or tapers from the longitudinal centerline CL toward the each of the corner faces 1124.
• the tray 1100 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, H2, H3, and H4, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9, and angles, for example, A1, A2, and A3, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 1110 may be substantially identical, such that the tray 1100 is substantially symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline CL and/or the transverse centerline CT, or may differ, such that the tray 1100 is not symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline CL and/or the transverse centerline CL.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1100.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 1110, including all or a portion of each top face 1118, interior face 1120, exterior face 1122, and/or corner face 1124, and/or all or a portion of recess 1112.
• FIGS. 12A-12D schematically depict still another exemplary tray 1200 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1200 includes some features that are similar to tray 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "12" instead of an "11".
• a pair of substantially parallel venting channels 1226 extends across the top face 1218 of each platform 1210, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face 1220 and the exterior face 1222.
• the channels 1226 may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the channels 1226 are substantially parallel to and substantially evenly spaced about the longitudinal centerline CL, and substantially perpendicular to the transverse centerline CT.
• the channels 1226 may have any orientation needed or desired for a particular application.
• the tray 1200 does not include a transverse dividing wall 1114 (FIGS. 11A-11E).
• the tray 1200 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, and L10, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• the dimensions of each platform 1210 may be substantially identical or may differ, and varying degrees of symmetry are contemplated hereby.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1200.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms 1210, including all or a portion of each top face 1218, interior face 1220, exterior face 1222, and/or corner face 1224, all or a portion of recess 1212, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1226.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically depict still another exemplary tray 1300 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1300 includes some features that are similar to tray 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11D, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "13" instead of an "11".
• platforms 1110 of FIGS. 11A-11D are replaced with a plurality of substantially rectangular raised portions 1328 arranged as a pair of opposed groups 1330 separated by transverse divider 1314.
• Each group includes three raised portions 1328 arranged in a substantially parallel configuration oblique to transverse wall 1314.
• the raised portions 1328 within each group 1330 collectively serve as a platform for receiving a food item (not shown) thereon, with the spaces 1332 between adjacent raised portions 1328 providing ventilation of the food item (not shown) during the heating cycle.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1300.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or more raised portions 1328 to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item heated thereon.
• FIGS. 14A-14E schematically depict another exemplary tray 1400 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1400 is substantially triangular in shape with rounded corners 1402 and is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline CL. However, numerous other shapes and configurations are contemplated hereby.
• the tray 1400 also includes a transverse centerline CT, as indicated in FIG. 14B.
• the tray 1400 includes a rim or base 1404 and a plurality of walls 1406 extending upwardly from the base 1404.
• the walls 1406 optionally terminate with a flange or lip 1408.
• the tray 1400 further includes a substantially triangular shaped raised portion or platform 1410 including a top surface or face 1412 intended to receive a food item thereon, and a plurality of somewhat upstanding side faces 1414 joined by somewhat arcuate corner faces 1416.
• the top surface 1412 is substantially planar. However, it will be understood that contoured surfaces are contemplated hereby.
• the side faces 1414 and corner faces 1416 extend obliquely and outwardly from the top surface 1412 to the base 1404, as best seen in FIGS. 14C-14E.
• the various faces 1412, 1414, and 1416 are described as being individual faces or surfaces merely for purposes of simplicity and ease of description, and that such faces or surfaces may be substantially continuous and without having a defined boundary between them.
• the platform may have any desired shape, and that numerous other regular and irregular shapes are contemplated hereby.
• the various elements and aspects of the tray 1400 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, and L14, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1400.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1410, including all or a portion of top face 1412, side faces 1414, and/or corner faces 1416.
• the tray may include one or more physical apertures (not shown) to allow for venting through the sidewalls and/or bottom of the tray.
• the tray 1400 may be used as described above in connection with the various other exemplary trays.
• FIGS. 15A-15F schematically illustrate still another exemplary tray 1500 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1500 includes features that are similar to tray 1400 shown in FIGS. 14A-14E, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "15" instead of a "14".
• the tray 1500 includes a plurality of channels 1518 in the platform 1510 extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to transverse centerline CT and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal centerline CL.
• the tray 1500 includes six channels 1518 of varying length, with shorter channels 1518 proximate a first, narrower end 1520 of the tray 1500, and longer channels 1518 proximate a second, wider end 1522 of the tray 1500.
• the channels 1518 may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the tray 1500 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, H2, and H3, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1500.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1510, including all or a portion of top face 1512, side faces 1514, and/or corner faces 1516, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1518.
• the tray 1500 may be used as described above.
• FIGS. 16A-16F schematically depict still another exemplary tray 1600 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1600 includes features that are similar to tray 1400 shown in FIGS. 14A-14E and tray 1500 shown in FIGS. 15A-15F, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
• the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "16" instead of a "14" or "15", respectively.
• the tray 1600 includes a plurality of channels 1618 in the platform 1610 extending in a transverse direction substantially parallel to transverse centerline CT and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal centerline CL, and a plurality of grooves or channels 1624 extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to longitudinal centerline CL and substantially perpendicular to transverse centerline CT.
• Such additional channels may be desirable where additional venting is needed.
• the tray 1600 includes six transverse channels 1618 of varying length, with shorter channels 1618 proximate a first, narrower end 1620 of the tray 1600, and longer channels 1618 proximate a second, wider end 1622 of the tray 1600.
• the tray 1600 also includes three longitudinal channels 1624a, 1624b of varying length, with the longest channel 1624a proximate the longitudinal centerline CL and the shorter channels 1624b proximate walls 1606.
• the channels 1618, 1624a, 1624b may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the tray 1600 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, H2, and H3, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1600.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1610, including all or a portion of top face 1612, side faces 1614, and/or corner faces 1616, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1618, 1624a, and/or 1624b.
• the tray 1600 may be used substantially as described above.
• FIGS. 17A-17E schematically illustrate still another exemplary tray 1700 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1700 generally has the shape of a sector of a circle, with a pair of radial sides 1702, an arcuate side 1704, and rounded corners 1706 joining the radial sides 1702 and arcuate side 1704.
• the tray 1700 is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline CL.
• the tray 1700 also includes a transverse centerline CL.
• the tray 1700 includes a peripheral rim 1708 and a platform 1710 extending upwardly from the rim 1708.
• the platform 1710 includes a substantially planar top surface or face 1712 for receiving a food item (not shown) and a plurality of adjoined side faces 1714 and corner faces 1716 that extend obliquely and outwardly between the top face 1712 to the rim 1708.
• the platform 1710 includes a plurality of channels 1718 extending in a generally transverse direction.
• the platform 1710 includes six channels of varying length, with shorter channels 1718 proximate a first, narrower end 1720 of the tray 1700, and longer channels proximate a second, wider end 1722 of the tray 1700 (i.e., proximate the arcuate side 1704 of the tray 1700).
• the channels 1718 may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• Each channel 1718 may have a radius of curvature similar to that of the arcuate side 1704, in this example, R4. However, numerous other configurations are contemplated hereby.
• the tray 1700 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, and L4, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1700.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1710, including all or a portion of top face 1712, side faces 1714, and/or corner faces 1716, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1718.
• FIGS. 18A-18E schematically illustrate still another exemplary tray 1800 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1800 includes features that are similar to tray 1700 shown in FIGS. 17A-17E, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with an "18" instead of a "17".
• the platform 1810 in addition to channels 1818 extending in a generally transverse direction, the platform 1810 includes a plurality of channels 1824a, 1824b extending in a generally longitudinal direction.
• the tray 1800 includes three generally longitudinal channels 1824a, 1824b of varying length, with the longest channel 1824a proximate to the longitudinal centerline CL and the shorter channels 1824b proximate radial sides 1802.
• Channels 1824b are aligned obliquely with respect to channel 1824a and longitudinal centerline CL, such that each channel 1824b is substantially equidistant from faces 1814 and channel 1824a, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline CL.
• the various channels 1818, 1824a, 1824b may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
• the tray 1800 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, and L4, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7, and angles, for example, A1 and A2, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1800.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1810, including all or a portion of top face 1812, side faces 1814, and/or corner faces 1816, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1818, 1824a, and/or 1824b.
• FIGS. 19A-19E schematically illustrate still another exemplary tray 1900 according to various aspects of the invention.
• the tray 1900 includes features that are similar to tray 1700 shown in FIGS. 17A-17E, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art. For simplicity, the reference numerals of similar features are preceded in the figures with a "19" instead of a "17".
• the tray 1900 includes a plurality of adjoined side walls 1926 and corner walls 1928 extending upwardly from the rim 1908.
• a tray might be suitable, for example, where the food item heated in the tray includes components that may fall from the food item, or where it is desired that the tray be used as a container for transporting the food item before or during consumption.
• the walls may include one or more apertures extending therethrough to provide additional ventilation during the heating cycle.
• a microwave energy interactive element may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the tray 1900.
• a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform 1910, including all or a portion of top face 1912, side faces 1914, and/or corner faces 1916, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels 1918.
• the tray 1900 may be characterized as having various heights, for example, H1 and H2, lengths, for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, and L14, radii of curvature, for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10, and angles, for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• lengths for example, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, and L14
• radii of curvature for example, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10
• angles for example, A1, each of which may vary for a particular application.
• Numerous materials may be suitable for use in forming the various constructs of the invention, provided that the materials are resistant to softening, scorching, combusting, or degrading at typical microwave oven heating temperatures, for example, at from about 250°F to about 425°F.
• the particular materials used may include microwave energy interactive materials and microwave energy transparent or inactive materials.
• each tray may be formed at least partially from a paperboard material, which may be cut into a blank prior to use in the tray.
• a tray may be formed at least partially from paperboard having a basis weight of from about 60 to about 330 lbs/ream (lbs/3000 sq. ft.), for example, from about 80 to about 140 lbs/ream.
• the paperboard generally may have a thickness of from about 6 to about 30 mils, for example, from about 12 to about 28 mils. In one particular example, the paperboard has a thickness of about 12 mils.
• Any suitable paperboard may be used, for example, a solid bleached or solid unbleached sulfate board, such as SUS® board, commercially available from Graphic Packaging International.
• all or a portion of the tray may be formed at least partially from a polymer or polymeric material, for example, coextruded polyethylene terephthalate or polypropylene. Other materials are contemplated hereby.
• the microwave energy interactive material may be an electroconductive or semiconductive material, for example, a metal or a metal alloy provided as a metal foil; a vacuum deposited metal or metal alloy; or a metallic ink, an organic ink, an inorganic ink, a metallic paste, an organic paste, an inorganic paste, or any combination thereof.
• metals and metal alloys that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, aluminum, chromium, copper, inconel alloys (nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy with niobium), iron, magnesium, nickel, stainless steel, tin, titanium, tungsten, and any combination or alloy thereof.
• the microwave energy interactive material may comprise a metal oxide.
• metal oxides that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, oxides of aluminum, iron, and tin, used in conjunction with an electrically conductive material where needed.
• ITO indium tin oxide
• ITO can be used as a microwave energy interactive material to provide a heating effect, a shielding effect, a browning and/or crisping effect, or a combination thereof.
• ITO may be sputtered onto a clear polymer film. The sputtering process typically occurs at a lower temperature than the evaporative deposition process used for metal deposition.
• ITO has a more uniform crystal structure and, therefore, is clear at most coating thicknesses. Additionally, ITO can be used for either heating or field management effects. ITO also may have fewer defects than metals, thereby making thick coatings of ITO more suitable for field management than thick coatings of metals, such as aluminum.
• the microwave energy interactive material may comprise a suitable electroconductive, semiconductive, or non-conductive artificial dielectric or ferroelectric.
• Artificial dielectrics comprise conductive, subdivided material in a polymer or other suitable matrix or binder, and may include flakes of an electroconductive metal, for example, aluminum.
• the substrate typically comprises an electrical insulator, for example, a polymer film or other polymeric material.
• an electrical insulator for example, a polymer film or other polymeric material.
• polymer polymer film or other polymeric material
• polymeric material include, but are not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random, and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof.
• the term “polymer” shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the molecule. These configurations include, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries.
• the thickness of the film typically may be from about 35 gauge to about 10 mil. In one aspect, the thickness of the film is from about 40 to about 80 gauge. In another aspect, the thickness of the film is from about 45 to about 50 gauge. In still another aspect, the thickness of the film is about 48 gauge.
• Examples of polymer films that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polysulfones, polyether ketones, cellophanes, or any combination thereof.
• Other non-conducting substrate materials such as paper and paper laminates, metal oxides, silicates, cellulosics, or any combination thereof, also may be used.
• the polymer film comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• PET polyethylene terephthalate
• Polyethylene terephthalate films are used in commercially available susceptors, for example, the QWIKWAVE ® Focus susceptor and the MICRORITE ® susceptor, both available from Graphic Packaging International (Marietta, Georgia).
• Examples of polyethylene terephthalate films that may be suitable for use as the substrate include, but are not limited to, MELINEX ® , commercially available from DuPont Teijan Films (Hopewell, Virginia), SKYROL, commercially available from SKC, Inc. (Covington, Georgia), and BARRIALOX PET, available from Toray Films (Front Royal, VA), and QU50 High Barrier Coated PET, available from Toray Films (Front Royal, VA).
• the polymer film may be selected to impart various properties to the microwave interactive structure, for example, printability, heat resistance, or any other property.
• the polymer film may be selected to provide a water barrier, oxygen barrier, or a combination thereof.
• barrier film layers may be formed from a polymer film having barrier properties or from any other barrier layer or coating as desired.
• Suitable polymer films may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol, barrier nylon, polyvinylidene chloride, barrier fluoropolymer, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, coextruded nylon 6/EVOH/nylon 6, silicon oxide coated film, barrier polyethylene terephthalate, or any combination thereof.
• Another example of a barrier film that may be suitable is CAPRAN® OXYSHIELD OBS monoaxially oriented coextruded nylon 6/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/nylon 6, also commercially available from Honeywell International.
• Yet another example of a barrier film that may be suitable for use with the present invention is DARTEK® N-201 nylon 6,6, commercially available from Enhance Packaging Technologies (Webster, New York). Additional examples include BARRIALOX PET, available from Toray Films (Front Royal, VA) and QU50 High Barrier Coated PET, available from Toray Films (Front Royal, VA), referred to above.
• a susceptor may have a structure including a film, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, with a layer of silicon oxide coated onto the film, and ITO or other material deposited over the silicon oxide. If needed or desired, additional layers or coatings may be provided to shield the individual layers from damage during processing.
• the barrier film may have an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as measured using ASTM D3985 of less than about 20 cc/m 2 /day.
• OTR oxygen transmission rate
• the barrier film has an OTR of less than about 10 cc/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has an OTR of less than about 1 cc/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has an OTR of less than about 0.5 cc/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has an OTR of less than about 0.1 cc/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film may have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than about 100 g/m 2 /day as measured using ASTM F1249.
• WVTR water vapor transmission rate
• the barrier film has a WVTR of less than about 50 g/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has a WVTR of less than about 15 g/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has a WVTR of less than about 1 g/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has a WVTR of less than about 0.1 g/m 2 /day.
• the barrier film has a WVTR of less than about 0.05 g/m 2 /day.
• non-conducting substrate materials such as metal oxides, silicates, cellulosics, or any combination thereof, also may be used in accordance with the present invention.
• the microwave energy interactive material may be applied to the substrate in any suitable manner, and in some instances, the microwave energy interactive material is printed on, extruded onto, sputtered onto, evaporated on, or laminated to the substrate.
• the microwave energy interactive material may be applied to the substrate in any pattern, and using any technique, to achieve the desired heating effect of the food item.
• the microwave energy interactive material may be provided as a continuous or discontinuous layer or coating including circles, loops, hexagons, islands, squares, rectangles, octagons, and so forth. Examples of various patterns and methods that may be suitable for use with the present invention are provided in U.S. Patent Nos.
• the microwave interactive element may comprise a foil (not shown) having a thickness sufficient to shield one or more selected portions of the food item from microwave energy (sometimes referred to as a "shielding element").
• shielding elements may be used where the food item is prone to scorching or drying out during heating.
• the shielding element may be formed from various materials and may have various configurations, depending on the particular application for which the shielding element is used.
• the shielding element is formed from a conductive, reflective metal or metal alloy, for example, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.
• the shielding element generally may have a thickness of from about 0.000285 inches to about 0.05 inches. In one aspect, the shielding element has a thickness of from about 0.0003 inches to about 0.03 inches. In another aspect, the shielding element has a thickness of from about 0.00035 inches to about 0.020 inches, for example, 0.016 inches.
• the microwave interactive element may comprise a segmented foil, such as, but not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,204,492 , 6,433,322 , 6,552,315 , and 6,677,563 , each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• segmented foils are not continuous, appropriately spaced groupings of such segments often act as a transmitting element to direct microwave energy to specific areas of the food item.
• Such foils also may be used in combination with other elements, for example, susceptors.
• the microwave interactive material or element may have a grey or silver color this is visually distinguishable from the substrate or the other components in the structure.
• the present invention contemplates using a silver or grey toned adhesive to join the microwave interactive elements to the substrate, using a silver or grey toned substrate to mask the presence of the silver or grey toned microwave interactive element, using a dark toned substrate, for example, a black toned substrate, to conceal the presence of the silver or grey or toned microwave interactive element, overprinting the metallized side of the web with a silver or grey toned ink to obscure the color variation, printing the non-metallized side of the structure with a silver or grey ink or other concealing color in a suitable pattern or as a solid color layer to mask or conceal the presence of the microwave interactive element, or any other suitable technique or combination thereof.
• a construct according to FIGS. 1A-1D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., and R3 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 1A-1D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., and R3 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 1A-1D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., and R3 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 1A-1D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., and R3 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 1A-1D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., and R3 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 6A-6D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., H2 was about 0.060 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 1.0 in., L9 was about 0.42 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., R3 was about 0.25 in., and R4 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 7A-7D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., H2 was about 0.37 in., L1 was about 7.8 in., L2 was about 5.2 in., L3 was about 1.9 in., L4 was about 2.2 in., L5 was about 0.94 in., L6 was about 1.9 in., L7 was about 6.2 in., L8 was about 6.4 in., L9 was about 6.9 in., L10 was about 1.0 in., L11 was about 0.19 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., R3 was about 0.25 in., R4 was about 0.25 in., R5 was about 0.25 in., R6 was about 2.3 in., R7 was about 1.8 in., and A1 was about 18°.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film was joined to the construct overlying various components, including at least a portion of the top faces 708 of the platforms 704.
• a construct according to FIGS. 8A-8D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., H2 was about 0.060 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 0.28 in., L4 was about 0.94 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.4 in., L8 was about 0.42 in., L9 was about 1.5 in., L10 was about 1.0 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., R3 was about 0.25 in., and R4 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 9A-9E may have the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.19 in., H2 may be about 0.040 in., L1 may be about 6.0 in., L2 may be about 5.5 in., L3 may be about 0.28 in., L4 may be about 0.94 in., L5 may be about 6.2 in., L6 may be about 5.4 in., L7 may be about 0.42 in., L8 may be about 0.75 in., R1 may be about 0.25 in., R2 may be about 0.25 in., R3 may be about 0.25 in., and R4 may be about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a susceptor film or other microwave energy interactive element may overlie at least a portion of the construct.
• a construct according to FIGS. 10A-10D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.27 in., H2 was about 0.060 in., L1 was about 6.0 in., L2 was about 5.7 in., L3 was about 0.17 in., L4 was about 1.1 in., L5 was about 1.9 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.5 in., L8 was about 0.36 in., L9 was about 1.5 in., L10 was about 1.0 in., R1 was about 0.25 in., R2 was about 0.25 in., R3 was about 0.25 in., and R4 was about 0.25 in. However, other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film
• a construct according to FIGS. 11A-11E was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., H2 was about 0.19 in., H3 was about 0.25 in., H4 was about 0.37 in., L1 was about 7.6 in., L2 was about 5.4 in., L3 was about 2.0 in., L4 was about 2.2 in., L5 was about 6.6 in., L6 was about 6.2 in., L7 was about 5.5 in., L8 was about 6.0 in., L9 was about 0.19 in., R1 was about 2.2 in., R2 was about 1.7 in., R3 was about 0.50 in., R4 was about 0.16 in., R5 was about 0.080 in., R6 was about 0.25 in., R7 was about 0.19 in., R8 was about 0.020 in., R9 was about 0.25 in., A1 was about 18°, A2 was about 30°, and A3 was about 15°.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film was joined to the construct overlying various components, including at least a portion of the top faces 1118 of the platforms 1110.
• a construct according to FIGS. 12A-12D was formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 was about 0.19 in., H2 was about 0.37 in., L1 was about 7.8 in., L2 was about 5.5 in., L3 was about 2.0 in., L4 was about 2.2 in., L5 was about 1.1 in., L6 was about 6.9 in. (square), L7 was about 6.4 in. (square), L8 was about 1.0 in., L9 was about 6.2 in.
• a 48 gauge metallized polyethylene terephthalate film i.e., a susceptor film was joined to the construct overlying various components, including at least a portion of the top faces 1218 of the platforms 1210.
• a construct according to FIGS. 14A-14E may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.25 in., H2 may be about 1 in., L1 may be about 9.2 in., L2 may be about 9.6 in., L3 may be about 9.2 in., L4 may be about 7.0 in., L5 may be about 8.5 in., L6 may be about 7.0 in., L7 may be about 6.6 in., L8 may be about 4.4 in., L9 may be about 5.9 in., L10 may be about 0.19 in., L11 may be about 6.7 in., L12 may be about 6.4 in., L13 may be about 4.2 in., L14 may be about 5.6 in., R1 may be about 1.3 in., R2 may be about 1.1 in., R3 may be about 1.1 in., R4 may be about 0.78 in., R5 may be about 0.56 in., R6 may be about 0.48 in., R7 may be about 0.25 in., R8 may be about
• a construct according to FIGS. 15A-15F may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.25 in., H2 may be about 0.063 in., H3 may be about 1.0 in., L1 may be about 9.2 in., L2 may be about 9.6 in., L3 may be about 9.2 in., L4 may be about 7.0 in., L5 may be about 8.5 in., L6 may be about 1.0 in., L7 may be about 7.0 in., L8 may be about 6.6 in., L9 may be about 4.4 in., L10 may be about 5.9 in., L11 may be about 0.2 in., L12 may be about 6.7 in., L13 may be about 6.4 in., L14 may be about 4.2 in., L15 may be about 5.6 in., R1 may be about 1.3 in., R2 may be about 1.1 in., R3 may be about 1.1 in., R4 may be about 0.78 in., R5 may be about 0.56 in., R6 may
• a construct according to FIGS. 16A-16F may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.25 in., H2 may be about 0.063 in., H3 may be about 1.0 in., L1 may be about 9.2 in., L2 may be about 9.6 in., L3 may be about 9.2 in., L4 may be about 7.0 in., L5 may be about 8.5 in., L6 may be about 1.0 in., L7 may be about 7.0 in., L8 may be about 6.6 in., L9 may be about 4.4 in., L10 may be about 5.9 in., L11 may be about 0.2 in., L12 may be about 6.7 in., L13 may be about 6.4 in., L14 may be about 4.2 in., L15 may be about 5.6 in., R1 may be about 1.3 in., R2 may be about 1.1 in., R3 may be about 1.1 in., R4 may be about 0.78 in., R5 may be about 0.56 in., R6 may
• a construct according to FIGS. 17A-17E may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.25 in., L1 may be about 7.9 in., L2 may be about 1.0 in., L3 may be about 6.0 in., L4 may be about 6.4 in., R1 may be about 0.70 in., R2 may be about 0.54 in., R3 may be about 0.36 in., R4 may be about 9.0 in., R5 may be about 0.25 in., R6 may be about 0.50 in., R7 may be about 0.25 in., and A1 may be about 45°. Other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a susceptor film or other microwave energy interactive element may overlie at least a portion of the construct.
• a construct according to FIGS. 18A-18E may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 0.25 in., L1 may be about 7.9 in., L2 may be about 1.0 in., L3 may be about 6.0 in., L4 may be about 6.4 in., R1 may be about 0.70 in., R2 may be about 0.54 in., R3 may be about 0.36 in., R4 may be about 9.0 in., R5 may be about 0.25 in., R6 may be about 0.50 in., R7 may be about 0.25 in., A1 may be about 45°, and A2 may be about 18°. Other suitable dimensions are contemplated hereby.
• a susceptor film or other microwave energy interactive element may overlie at least a portion of the construct.
• a construct according to FIGS. 19A-19E may be formed with the following approximate dimensions: H1 may be about 1.0 in., H2 may be about 0.25 in., L1 may be about 10 in., L2 may be about 8.6 in., L3 may be about 7.5 in., L4 may be about 1.0 in., L5 may be about 0.12 in., L6 may be about 7.9 in., L7 may be about 7.5 in., L8 may be about 5.3 in., L9 may be about 6.7 in., L10 may be about 8.3 in., L11 may be about 7.9 in., L12 may be about 5.7 in., L13 may be about 7.2 in., R1 may be about 1.3 in., R2 may be about 1.1 in., R3 may be about 1.1 in., R4 may be about 0.78 in., R5 may be about 0.56 in., R6 may be about 0.25 in., R7 may be about 0.25 in., R8 may be about 0.50 in., R9 may be about
• a first sandwich was placed in an open face configuration on the susceptor disk provided with the sandwich (referred to as "Control disk” in Examples 19-30).
• the sandwich was heated according to package directions for 3 minutes in an 1100W Panasonic microwave oven.
• a second sandwich was heated for 3 minutes in the same 1100W Panasonic microwave oven using a tray according to the invention, substantially as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, having the dimensions provided in Example 8.
• a Konica Minolta BC-10 baking meter having an aperture size of about 7/16 in. (0.4375 in.) was used to measure the level of browning on the surface of each piece of bread at designated locations, as indicated schematically in FIG. 20. The measurements taken at each position were averaged for the two pieces of bread in each sandwich. The results are presented in baking contrast units ("BCU"), where the lower the BCU, the darker the color (i.e., the greater degree of browning). The results of the evaluation are presented in Table 2. Table 2. Position Control disk Experimental disk 1 3.85 2.85 2 3.88 2.67 3 3.40 1.95 4 3.67 2.77 5 3.92 3.33 6 3.90 2.88 7 4.02 3.39 8 4.10 3.24 9 4.09 3.55 10 4.03 2.14 Average BCU 3.90 2.96

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