EP2639171B1 - Mikrowellenerwärmungsschale - Google Patents

Mikrowellenerwärmungsschale Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2639171B1
EP2639171B1 EP13001073.9A EP13001073A EP2639171B1 EP 2639171 B1 EP2639171 B1 EP 2639171B1 EP 13001073 A EP13001073 A EP 13001073A EP 2639171 B1 EP2639171 B1 EP 2639171B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tray
platform
channels
food item
microwave energy
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.)
Active
Application number
EP13001073.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2639171A3 (de
EP2639171A2 (de
Inventor
Terence P. Lafferty
Patrick H. Wnek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Graphic Packaging International LLC
Original Assignee
Graphic Packaging International LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Graphic Packaging International LLC filed Critical Graphic Packaging International LLC
Publication of EP2639171A2 publication Critical patent/EP2639171A2/de
Publication of EP2639171A3 publication Critical patent/EP2639171A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2639171B1 publication Critical patent/EP2639171B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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 trays for heating or cooking a food item in a microwave oven.
  • the invention relates to various trays 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 trays 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 to various heating trays as per independent claim 1 and the claims being dependent therefrom.
  • 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 trays 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 trays 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 includes 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.
  • a first exemplary construct, in this example, a disk or tray is substantially circular in shape, and is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline.
  • 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 includes a somewhat planar peripheral rim or base, and a pair of opposed raised portions or platforms that serve as surfaces for receiving one or more food items thereon.
  • the raised portions are separated by a recess that lies substantially within the same plane as the rim. In this example, the recess lies along the transverse centerline.
  • the recess may have any other suitable shape or position, as needed or desired for a particular application.
  • Each platform is substantially semi-circular in shape, suitable for receiving, for example, a half panini or other sandwich thereon.
  • Each platform includes a top surface or face (also referred to as “uppermost surface” and “heating surface”), a somewhat upstanding interior face, a somewhat upstanding exterior face, and a pair of opposed corner faces.
  • top surface or face also referred to as "uppermost surface” and “heating surface”
  • the various faces 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 extends obliquely, sloping outwardly and downwardly, and tapers in height from the top face towards the recess or rim, respectively.
  • corner faces slope outwardly and downwardly from the top face towards the recess and/or rim, such that the corner face has a generally rounded or convex shape.
  • the various faces that define the platform 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 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
  • each platform is uniform in height when viewed along the longitudinal centerline of the tray, and is bowed or crowned when viewed along the interior face of the platform, such that the platform and therefore, the top surface, decreases in height, from the longitudinal centerline towards each of the corner faces.
  • Such a tray 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 may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, and radii of curvature, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform may be substantially identical, such that the tray is substantially symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline, or may differ, such that the tray is not symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline.
  • the dimensions of each platform may be substantially identical, such that the tray is substantially symmetrical across each side of the transverse centerline, or may differ, such that the tray is not symmetrical across each side of the transverse centerline.
  • 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 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 for example, a susceptor
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of each platform, including all or a portion of the top surface, recess, interior face, and/or corner faces of one or both platforms.
  • a susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element also may overlie all or a portion of exterior face.
  • 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 can be pressed or otherwise formed from a multilayer structure comprising the susceptor film joined to the material used to form the tray.
  • the food item typically is placed on each platform and placed into a microwave oven.
  • 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 of each platform with the surface to be browned and/or crisped, for example, the bread or pizza crust, adjacent to the tray.
  • the contoured heating surface of the platform 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, and therefore, the food may extend slightly beyond the "boundaries" of the heating surface, in this example, the top face. As the food item thaws, 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. Where a microwave energy interactive element, for example, a susceptor, overlies such faces, the faces may serve as heating surfaces to enhance browning and/or crisping of the corresponding portions of the food item.
  • a microwave energy interactive element for example, a susceptor
  • 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 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.
  • microwave energy interactive trays include one or more discontinuities in the microwave energy interactive element.
  • the various further exemplary trays as explained below include features that are similar to the tray of the first example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the microwave energy interactive element comprises a plurality of spaced susceptor bands or stripes (shown by stippling) extending obliquely across the transverse centerline of the tray, with microwave inactive or transparent areas 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 comprises a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced susceptor squares (shown by stippling) with a grid-like arrangement of microwave energy transparent areas 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 comprises a plurality of concentric susceptor rings with microwave energy transparent areas or rings 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, or a plurality of partial concentric circles, for example, where the food item overlies both platforms and extends across recess.
  • a plurality of physical apertures extend through the thickness of the tray and interrupt the microwave energy interactive element.
  • the apertures are in the form of elongate slots that extend obliquely across the platforms.
  • 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 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, or may have any other pattern, arrangement, or configuration. It will be understood that 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.
  • the tray includes features that are similar to tray of the first example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • a pair of substantially parallel channels extends across the top face of each platform between, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face and the exterior face.
  • the channels are substantially parallel to and substantially evenly spaced about the longitudinal centerline, and substantially perpendicular to the transverse centerline.
  • 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 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
  • the height of each platform is substantially uniform when viewed along the longitudinal centerline of the tray, and varies in height when viewed along the interior face of the platform.
  • the height of the platform, and therefore the height of the top face tapers or decreases when viewed from the longitudinal centerline toward the each of the corner faces.
  • other shapes and contours are contemplated.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, and radii of curvature, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, all or a portion of recess, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • one or more food items typically are placed on each platform and placed into a microwave oven.
  • the contoured heating surface of the platform 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, thereby further enhancing browning and/or crisping.
  • platforms 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.
  • a seventh exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the first and sixth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes a plurality of walls extending substantially upwardly from the rim or flange, which serves as a base or lowermost portion of the tray. If desired, the walls may be terminated with a lip.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, all or a portion of recess, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • Such a tray 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 may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the specifications of each platform may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
  • An eighth exemplary disk or tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the first and sixth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes four substantially parallel channels or indentations extending across the top face of each platform, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face and the exterior face.
  • additional channels 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 may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, and radii of curvature, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform 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.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, all or a portion of recess, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • the resulting pattern of browning and/or crisping may include an overall darkened appearance with somewhat lighter areas corresponding to the areas overlying channels, generally resembling grill marks.
  • a ninth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the first, sixth and eighth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes four substantially parallel channels or indentations extending obliquely across the top face of each platform, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face and the exterior face.
  • additional channels 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 may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, and radii of curvature, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform may be substantially identical or may differ, with various degrees of symmetry being contemplated hereby.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, all or a portion of recess, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • 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, generally resembling grill marks.
  • a tenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the first, sixth and eighth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the platforms have a substantially planar top face.
  • Such a tray may be particularly well-suited for use with food items that have a substantially planar surface.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, and radii of curvature, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • An eleventh exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline.
  • 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 is substantially square in shape with somewhat rounded corners.
  • the tray includes a somewhat planar peripheral rim or base, which serves as a base or lowermost portion of the tray, and a plurality of walls extending substantially upwardly from the rim. If desired, the walls may be terminated with a lip.
  • a tray 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 includes a pair of opposed raised portions or platforms that serve as surfaces for receiving one or more food items thereon.
  • the platforms are separated by a recess that lies substantially within the same plane as the rim. In this example, the recess lies along the transverse centerline. However, the recess may have any other suitable position, as needed or desired for a particular application.
  • the platforms optionally may be separated further by a divider extending upwardly along at least a portion of the length of the recess. The divider may assist the user with proper placement of the food items on the tray 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 during the heating cycle.
  • the platforms are somewhat elongate and rectangular in shape with rounded corners.
  • Each platform includes a top surface or face (also referred to as “uppermost surface” and “heating surface”), a somewhat upstanding interior face, a somewhat upstanding exterior face, and a pair of opposed corner faces.
  • top surface or face also referred to as "uppermost surface” and “heating surface”
  • the various faces 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 in top plan view generally corresponds to or "tracks" the shape of the upstanding walls.
  • the interior face and exterior face of each platform extend obliquely or slope, outwardly and downwardly, from the respective platform towards the recess or rim, respectively.
  • 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 may be contoured to conform generally to the shape of a food item.
  • the thickness of each platform, and therefore the height of each top face is substantially uniform when viewed along the longitudinal centerline of the tray, and varies in height when viewed along the interior face of the platform.
  • the thickness of the platform, and therefore the height of the top face decreases or tapers from the longitudinal centerline toward the each of the corner faces.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform may be substantially identical, such that the tray is substantially symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline and/or the transverse centerline, or may differ, such that the tray is not symmetrical across each side of the longitudinal centerline and/or the transverse centerline.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, and/or all or a portion of recess.
  • a twelfth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes some features that are similar to the tray according to the eleventh example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • a pair of substantially parallel venting channels extends across the top face of each platform, and optionally through one or both of, the interior face and the exterior face.
  • the channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • the channels are substantially parallel to and substantially evenly spaced about the longitudinal centerline, and substantially perpendicular to the transverse centerline.
  • the channels may have any orientation needed or desired for a particular application.
  • the tray does not include a transverse dividing wall.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • the dimensions of each platform 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.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or both platforms, including all or a portion of each top face, interior face, exterior face, and/or corner face, all or a portion of recess, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • a thirteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes some features that are similar to the tray of the eleventh example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • platforms are replaced with a plurality of substantially rectangular raised portions arranged as a pair of opposed groups separated by transverse divider.
  • Each group includes three raised portions arranged in a substantially parallel configuration oblique to transverse wall.
  • the raised portions within each group collectively serve as a platform for receiving a food item thereon, with the spaces between adjacent raised portions providing ventilation of the food item during the heating cycle.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of one or more raised portions to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item heated thereon.
  • a fourteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention is substantially triangular in shape with rounded corners and is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline. However, numerous other shapes and configurations are contemplated hereby.
  • the tray also includes a transverse centerline.
  • the tray includes a rim or base and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base.
  • the walls optionally terminate with a flange or lip.
  • the tray further includes a substantially triangular shaped raised portion or platform including a top surface or face intended to receive a food item thereon, and a plurality of somewhat upstanding side faces joined by somewhat arcuate corner faces.
  • the top surface is substantially planar.
  • contoured surfaces are contemplated hereby.
  • the side faces and corner faces extend obliquely and outwardly from the top surface to the base.
  • the various faces 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 may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, , each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces.
  • the tray may include one or more physical apertures to allow for venting through the sidewalls and/or bottom of the tray. The tray may be used as described above in connection with the various other exemplary trays.
  • a fifteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the fourteenth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes a plurality of channels in the platform extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to transverse centerline and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal centerline.
  • the tray includes six channels of varying length, with shorter channels proximate a first, narrower end of the tray, and longer channels proximate a second, wider end of the tray.
  • the channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • the tray may be used as described above.
  • a sixteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the fourteenth and fifteenth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes a plurality of channels in the platform extending in a transverse direction substantially parallel to transverse centerline and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal centerline, and a plurality of grooves or channels extending in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to longitudinal centerline and substantially perpendicular to transverse centerline.
  • additional channels may be desirable where additional venting is needed.
  • the tray includes six transverse channels of varying length, with shorter channels proximate a first, narrower end of the tray, and longer channels proximate a second, wider end of the tray.
  • the tray also includes three longitudinal channels of varying length, with the longest channel proximate the longitudinal centerline and the shorter channels proximate walls.
  • the channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels and/or.
  • the tray may be used substantially as described above.
  • a seventeenth exemplary tray generally has the shape of a sector of a circle, with a pair of radial sides, an arcuate side, and rounded corners joining the radial sides and arcuate side.
  • the tray is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal centerline.
  • the tray also includes a transverse centerline.
  • the tray includes a peripheral rim and a platform extending upwardly from the rim.
  • the platform includes a substantially planar top surface or face for receiving a food item (not shown) and a plurality of adjoined side faces and corner faces that extend obliquely and outwardly between the top face to the rim.
  • the platform includes a plurality of channels extending in a generally transverse direction. In this example, the platform includes six channels of varying length, with shorter channels proximate a first, narrower end of the tray, and longer channels proximate a second, wider end of the tray (i.e., proximate the arcuate side of the tray).
  • the channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • Each channel may have a radius of curvature similar to that of the arcuate side. However, numerous other configurations are contemplated hereby.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • An eighteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the seventeenth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the platform in addition to channels extending in a generally transverse direction, includes a plurality of channels extending in a generally longitudinal direction.
  • the tray includes three generally longitudinal channels of varying length, with the longest channel proximate to the longitudinal centerline and the shorter channels proximate radial sides. Channels are aligned obliquely with respect to channel and longitudinal centerline, such that each channel is substantially equidistant from faces and channel, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline.
  • the various channels may have any suitable depth as needed to provide the desired degree of ventilation for the particular heating application.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, each of which may vary for a particular application.
  • a microwave energy interactive element overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • a nineteenth exemplary tray according to various aspects of the invention includes features that are similar to the tray of the seventeenth example, except for variations noted and variations that will be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • the tray includes a plurality of adjoined side walls and corner walls extending upwardly from the rim.
  • 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 overlies and is joined to at least a portion of the tray.
  • a susceptor may overlie all or a portion of the platform, including all or a portion of top face, side faces, and/or corner faces, and/or all or a portion of one or more of channels.
  • the tray may be characterized as having various heights, lengths, radii of curvature, and angles, 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 121.1°C (250°F) to about 218.3°C (425°F).
  • the particular materials used may include microwave energy interactive materials and microwave energy transparent or inactive materials.
  • Each tray is formed 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 97.65 to about 537.075 g/m 2 (about 60 to about 330 lbs/ream; lbs/3000 sq. ft.), for example, from about 130.2 to about 227.85 g/m 2 (about 80 to about 140 lbs/ream).
  • the paperboard generally may have a thickness of from about 0.1524 mm to about 0.762 mm (about 6 to about 30 mils), for example, from about 0.3048 mm to about 0.7112 mm (about 12 to about 28 mils).
  • the paperboard has a thickness of about 0.3048 mm (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 8.89 ⁇ m (35 gauge) to about 0.254 mm (10 mil). In one aspect, the thickness of the film is from about 10.16 to about 20.32 ⁇ m (about 40 to about 80 gauge). In another aspect, the thickness of the film is from about 11.43 to about 12.7 ⁇ m (about 45 to about 50 gauge). In still another aspect, the thickness of the film is about 12.192 ⁇ m (48 gauge).
  • 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 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 0.0007239 cm (0.000285 inches) to about 0.127 cm (0.05 inches). In one aspect, the shielding element has a thickness of from about 0.000762 cm (0.0003 inches) to about 0.0762 cm (0.03 inches). In another aspect, the shielding element has a thickness of from about 0.000889 cm (0.00035 inches) to about 0.0508 cm(0.020 inches), for example, 0.04064 cm (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 .
  • 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 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 first sandwich was placed in an open face configuration on the susceptor disk provided with the sandwich (referred to as "Control disk” in Examples 20-31).
  • 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 as per the eighth example according to the invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Mikrowellen-Erwärmungsschale, umfassend:
    ein Kartonmaterial, wobei das Kartonmaterial so konfiguriert ist, dass es eine im Wesentlichen ebene Basis definiert;
    eine Plattform, die sich von der Basis nach oben erstreckt, wobei die Plattform umfasst
    eine Erwärmungsfläche, die relativ zur Basis erhöht ist,
    eine Fläche, die sich von der Erwärmungsfläche nach außen und unten zur Basis erstreckt,
    wenigstens einen nach oben offenen Kanal, der sich wenigstens teilweise quer über die Plattform erstreckt; und
    ein Mikrowellenenergie-interaktives Material, das mit wenigstens der Erwärmungsfläche verbunden ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    der wenigstens eine nach oben offene Kanal einen untersten Abschnitt umfasst, der zwischen der Basis und der Erwärmungsfläche positioniert ist, so dass der Boden des Kanals in Bezug auf die Ebene der Basis erhöht ist.
  2. Schale nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Plattform eine im Wesentlichen gewölbte Form aufweist.
  3. Schale nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Plattform eine konturierte Form aufweist.
  4. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Plattform eine erste Plattform eines Plattformpaares ist.
  5. Schale nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Plattformen jeweils eine im Wesentlichen halbkreisförmige Form aufweisen.
  6. Schale nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei die Plattformen durch eine Aussparung getrennt sind.
  7. Schale nach Anspruch 6, wobei ein unterster Abschnitt der Aussparung im Wesentlichen koplanar mit der Basis ist.
  8. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der Kanal eine Vertiefung in der Plattform umfasst.
  9. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei sich der Kanal wenigstens teilweise linear über die Plattform erstreckt.
  10. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei sich der Kanal wenigstens teilweise gekrümmt über die Plattform erstreckt.
  11. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei der Kanal ein erster Kanal einer Vielzahl von Kanälen ist, die sich wenigstens teilweise über die Plattform erstrecken.
  12. Schale nach Anspruch 11, wobei wenigstens einige Kanäle der Vielzahl von Kanälen parallel zueinander sind.
  13. Schale nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, wobei wenigstens einige Kanäle der Vielzahl von Kanälen senkrecht zueinander verlaufen.
  14. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, wobei
    die Basis einen Rand umfasst und
    sich eine Wand im Wesentlichen nach oben entlang wenigstens eines Teils des Randes des Bodens erstreckt.
  15. Schale nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, wobei das Mikrowellenenergie-interaktive Material als Reaktion auf Mikrowellenenergie eine Erwärmung bewirkt.
EP13001073.9A 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellenerwärmungsschale Active EP2639171B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US80038306P 2006-05-15 2006-05-15
PCT/US2007/011615 WO2007133767A2 (en) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
EP07794881.8A EP2018326B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen

Related Parent Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07794881.8A Division-Into EP2018326B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen
EP07794881.8A Division EP2018326B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen
EP07794881.8 Division 2007-05-15

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2639171A2 EP2639171A2 (de) 2013-09-18
EP2639171A3 EP2639171A3 (de) 2014-08-27
EP2639171B1 true EP2639171B1 (de) 2023-10-18

Family

ID=38596789

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13001073.9A Active EP2639171B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellenerwärmungsschale
EP07794881.8A Active EP2018326B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07794881.8A Active EP2018326B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-15 Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (2) EP2639171B1 (de)
JP (2) JP5017364B2 (de)
BR (1) BRPI0711367B1 (de)
CA (1) CA2650442C (de)
ES (1) ES2965758T3 (de)
WO (1) WO2007133767A2 (de)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8803050B2 (en) 2006-05-15 2014-08-12 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
US8680448B2 (en) 2006-05-15 2014-03-25 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
WO2009105397A2 (en) 2008-02-18 2009-08-27 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Apparatus for cooking raw food items in a microwave oven
WO2009105398A2 (en) 2008-02-18 2009-08-27 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Apparatus for preparing a food item in a micowave oven
WO2010127214A2 (en) 2009-05-01 2010-11-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Construct with locating feature
EP2669204A1 (de) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-04 MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller GmbH & Co KG Schalenförmiger Behälter
WO2014152587A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Container with heating features
EP3083227B1 (de) 2013-12-16 2018-10-31 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Konstrukt mit versteifungsmerkmalen
NL2012377B1 (nl) 2014-03-06 2015-12-03 Karel Johannes Van Den Broek Lucas Houder voor het verpakken van producten, in het bijzonder van voedselproducten zoals verse vleeswaren, alsmede werkwijze voor het verpakken van dergelijke producten.
US11412583B2 (en) 2015-12-30 2022-08-09 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Reusable microwaveable vessel

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5961872A (en) * 1992-05-21 1999-10-05 Campbell Soup Company Metal container and use thereof in a microwave oven

Family Cites Families (37)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2859122A (en) * 1955-10-06 1958-11-04 American Cyanamid Co Meat package
DE7903283U1 (de) * 1979-02-07 1979-05-10 Delbrouck Franz Gmbh Obstkoerbchen aus Kunststoff
CA1279902C (en) * 1986-05-09 1991-02-05 Alcan International Limited Microwave container including higher order mode generation
FR2598713B1 (fr) 1986-05-16 1988-11-10 Inst Francais Du Petrole Nouveau materiau de remplissage et de flottabilite. procede de fabrication et ensembles tubulaires incorporant ce materiau
USRE34683E (en) 1987-03-10 1994-08-02 James River Corporation Of Virginia Control of microwave interactive heating by patterned deactivation
US4865921A (en) 1987-03-10 1989-09-12 James Riker Corporation Of Virginia Microwave interactive laminate
JPS63252734A (ja) * 1987-04-10 1988-10-19 東洋製罐株式会社 電子レンジ調理用食品容器
US4775771A (en) 1987-07-30 1988-10-04 James River Corporation Sleeve for crisping and browning of foods in a microwave oven and package and method utilizing same
CA1292934C (en) 1988-05-20 1991-12-10 Donald G. Beckett Microwave heating material
US5410135A (en) 1988-09-01 1995-04-25 James River Paper Company, Inc. Self limiting microwave heaters
US4870233A (en) * 1988-09-19 1989-09-26 General Mills, Inc. Metal tray and susceptor combination for use in microwave ovens
US4890439A (en) 1988-11-09 1990-01-02 James River Corporation Flexible disposable material for forming a food container for microwave cooking
GB8827759D0 (en) 1988-11-28 1988-12-29 Beckett D E Selective microwave heating material-ii
CA1339540C (en) * 1989-02-09 1997-11-11 Richard M. Keefer Methods and devices used in the microwave heating of foods and other materials
US5519195A (en) * 1989-02-09 1996-05-21 Beckett Technologies Corp. Methods and devices used in the microwave heating of foods and other materials
CA2009207A1 (en) 1990-02-02 1991-08-02 D. Gregory Beckett Controlled heating of foodstuffs by microwave energy
AU635667B2 (en) * 1991-01-29 1993-03-25 Amcor Limited A container
CA2041062C (en) 1991-02-14 2000-11-28 D. Gregory Beckett Demetallizing procedure
US5266386A (en) 1991-02-14 1993-11-30 Beckett Industries Inc. Demetallizing procedure
US5628921A (en) 1991-02-14 1997-05-13 Beckett Technologies Corp. Demetallizing procedure
US5221419A (en) 1991-02-19 1993-06-22 Beckett Industries Inc. Method for forming laminate for microwave oven package
US5213902A (en) 1991-02-19 1993-05-25 Beckett Industries Inc. Microwave oven package
US5260537A (en) 1991-06-17 1993-11-09 Beckett Industries Inc. Microwave heating structure
GB9201932D0 (en) 1992-01-29 1992-03-18 Beckett Ind Inc Novel microwave heating structure
US5420517A (en) 1992-03-23 1995-05-30 Soilmoisture Equipment Corp. Probe for measuring moisture in soil and other mediums
US5800724A (en) 1996-02-14 1998-09-01 Fort James Corporation Patterned metal foil laminate and method for making same
US5759418A (en) 1996-06-14 1998-06-02 International Business Machines Corporation Adhesively attached hard disk head suspension and etching process
US5939300A (en) 1996-07-03 1999-08-17 Diversa Corporation Catalases
CA2264121C (en) 1996-08-26 2004-07-20 Fort James Corporation Microwavable container
EP1655240A1 (de) 1996-08-26 2006-05-10 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Verpackung für Mikrowellenöfen
CA2250434C (en) 1997-01-29 2002-11-26 Fort James Corporation Microwave oven heating element having broken loops
US6414290B1 (en) 1998-03-19 2002-07-02 Graphic Packaging Corporation Patterned microwave susceptor
US6204492B1 (en) 1999-09-20 2001-03-20 Graphic Packaging Corporation Abuse-tolerant metallic packaging materials for microwave cooking
US6433322B2 (en) 1999-09-20 2002-08-13 Graphic Packaging Corporation Abuse-tolerant metallic packaging materials for microwave cooking
US6717121B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2004-04-06 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Patterned microwave susceptor element and microwave container incorporating same
US6677563B2 (en) 2001-12-14 2004-01-13 Graphic Packaging Corporation Abuse-tolerant metallic pattern arrays for microwave packaging materials
CA2557267C (en) * 2004-03-01 2013-04-23 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Multi-purpose food preparation kit

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5961872A (en) * 1992-05-21 1999-10-05 Campbell Soup Company Metal container and use thereof in a microwave oven

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2018326B1 (de) 2014-07-09
WO2007133767A8 (en) 2008-02-21
ES2965758T3 (es) 2024-04-16
EP2639171A3 (de) 2014-08-27
JP2009537408A (ja) 2009-10-29
WO2007133767A2 (en) 2007-11-22
JP5693517B2 (ja) 2015-04-01
BRPI0711367B1 (pt) 2020-08-11
WO2007133767A3 (en) 2008-01-10
CA2650442A1 (en) 2007-11-22
EP2018326A2 (de) 2009-01-28
JP2012148823A (ja) 2012-08-09
EP2639171A2 (de) 2013-09-18
JP5017364B2 (ja) 2012-09-05
BRPI0711367A2 (pt) 2011-11-01
CA2650442C (en) 2013-07-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8803050B2 (en) Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
EP2639171B1 (de) Mikrowellenerwärmungsschale
US8680448B2 (en) Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
EP2974973B1 (de) Mikrowellentaugliche konstruktion mit geformten erhitzungsoberflächen
EP2506678B1 (de) Erhöhter Aufbau für Mikrowellenerwärmung
EP2453177B1 (de) Mikrowellengeeigneter Behälter mit einheitlicher Erwärmung
US8217325B2 (en) Elevated microwave heating construct
US8993947B2 (en) Microwave energy interactive insulating sheet and system
CA3038410C (en) Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 2018326

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65D 81/26 20060101ALI20140722BHEP

Ipc: B65D 81/34 20060101ALI20140722BHEP

Ipc: B65D 1/34 20060101AFI20140722BHEP

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150227

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20171121

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, LLC

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230509

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 2018326

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: P

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007061776

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20231018

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1622258

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20231018

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231018

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231018

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2965758

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20240416

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231018

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231018

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240218

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240119

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240118

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231018

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240219