WO2006052326A2 - Emballages isoles destines a des aliments pour micro-ondes - Google Patents

Emballages isoles destines a des aliments pour micro-ondes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006052326A2
WO2006052326A2 PCT/US2005/034008 US2005034008W WO2006052326A2 WO 2006052326 A2 WO2006052326 A2 WO 2006052326A2 US 2005034008 W US2005034008 W US 2005034008W WO 2006052326 A2 WO2006052326 A2 WO 2006052326A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
package
panel
susceptor
insulating material
food item
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2005/034008
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006052326A3 (fr
Inventor
Terrence P. Lafferty
Scott W. Middleton
Timothy H. Bohrer
Colin P. Ford
Original Assignee
Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Graphic Packaging International, Inc. filed Critical Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Priority to CA002586472A priority Critical patent/CA2586472A1/fr
Priority to EP05800210A priority patent/EP1814803A2/fr
Publication of WO2006052326A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006052326A2/fr
Publication of WO2006052326A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006052326A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—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 with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3848—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 with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks
    • B65D81/3858—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 with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/0209—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body the tubular body having a curved or partially curved cross-section
    • 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
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/18—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding a single blank to U-shape to form the base of the container and opposite sides of the body portion, the remaining sides being formed primarily by extensions of one or more of these opposite sides, e.g. flaps hinged thereto
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D81/38—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 with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3848—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 with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks
    • B65D81/386—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 with thermal insulation semi-rigid container folded up from one or more blanks formed of corrugated material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2581/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3437—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D2581/3471—Microwave reactive substances present in the packaging material
    • B65D2581/3479—Other metallic compounds, e.g. silver, gold, copper, nickel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2581/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D2581/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
    • B65D2581/3437—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D2581/3486—Dielectric characteristics of microwave reactive packaging
    • B65D2581/3494—Microwave susceptor

Definitions

  • Microwave ovens have become a principle form of cooking food in a rapid and effective manner. As a result, the number of food items and packages available for use with a microwave oven is increasing. There is always a need for improved materials, blanks, and packages.
  • a package according to the present invention includes a susceptor, a thermal insulating material, and an optional support.
  • FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve and a thermal insulating shell in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 depicts the package of FIG. 1 in an upright position with a food item contained therein;
  • FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary blank for preparing the package of FIGS. 1 and 2
  • FIG. 4 depicts the package of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a partially opened condition
  • FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve and a thermal insulating shell formed from a corrugated material in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve and a thermal insulating sheath in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary package including a semi-rigid susceptor sleeve and a thermal insulating material applied thereto in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary blank for forming the package of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 depicts the package of FIG. 7 with a closed bottom panel
  • FIG. 10 depicts an alternate view of the package of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary blank that may be used to form a package having two locking ends according to the present invention
  • FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary package having a double flap construction at one end in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve formed from a thermal insulating corrugated material in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve formed from a thermal insulating bubble material in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 15 depicts the various layers of an exemplary susceptor used in the exemplary package of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve formed from a thermal insulating foam in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 17 depicts the various layers of an exemplary susceptor used in the exemplary package of FIG. 16;
  • FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary package including a susceptor sleeve formed from a thermal insulating bubble material, and without a paper layer, in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary package including a sleeve formed from multiple layers of nylon film and nylon strips in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 20 depicts a food item cooked in the exemplary package of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 21 depicts a food item cooked in the exemplary package of FIG. 18.
  • the present invention generally relates to a package for cooking food item in a microwave oven.
  • the food item may be provided to the consumer pre- inserted into the package, or may be provided separately from the package.
  • the package includes a susceptor that provides effective heating and/or browning of the food item, a thermal insulating material (also referred to herein as "insulating material") that provides a surface for safe and comfortable handling by a consumer, and an optional support for the susceptor. In some aspects of the present invention, the insulating material may serve as the support for the susceptor.
  • the package additionally includes features that enable the consumer to consume the food item "on the go", without the need for transferring the food item to another utensil.
  • the susceptor of the present invention comprises a microwave energy interactive material deposited on or supported by a substrate.
  • the susceptor may absorb microwave energy, transmit microwave energy, or reflect microwave energy as desired for a particular food item.
  • the microwave energy interactive material may be in proximate contact with the surface of the food item, intimate contact with the food item, or a combination thereof, as needed to achieve the desired cooking results.
  • the microwave energy interactive material may comprise an electroconductive or semiconductive material.
  • the microwave energy interactive material may comprise 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 thereof.
  • metals are inexpensive and easy to obtain in both vacuum deposited or foil forms, metals may not be suitable for every application.
  • metals are opaque to visible light and may not be suitable for forming a clear microwave package or component.
  • the interactive properties of such vacuum deposited metals for heating often are limited to heating for narrow ranges of heat flux and temperature. Such materials therefore may not be optimal for heating, browning, and crisping all food items.
  • metal foils and vacuum deposited coatings can be difficult to handle and design into packages, and can lead to arcing at small defects in the structure.
  • the microwave interactive energy 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, or a combination thereof.
  • To form the susceptor ITO typically is sputtered onto a clear polymeric film. The sputtering process typically occurs at a lower temperature than the evaporative deposition process used for metal deposition.
  • 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 polymeric or other suitable matrix or binder, and may include flakes of an electroconductive metal, for example, aluminum.
  • the substrate used in accordance with the present invention typically comprises an electrical insulator, for example, a polymeric film.
  • the thickness of the film may typically be from about 40 to about 55 gauge. In one aspect, the thickness of the film is from about 43 to about 52 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 polymeric films that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, polyolef ⁇ ns, 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, may also be used.
  • the polymeric film may comprise polyethylene terephthalate.
  • polyethylene terephthalate film that may be suitable for use as the substrate include, but are not limited to, Melinex ® , commercially available from DuPont Teijan Films (Hopewell, Virginia), and SKYROL 5 commercially available from SKC, Inc. (Covington, Georgia).
  • Polyethylene terephthalate films are used in commercially available susceptors, for example, the QWIK WAVE ® Focus susceptor and the MICRO- RITE ® susceptor, both available from Graphic Packaging International (Marietta, Georgia).
  • the polymeric film may be selected to provide a water barrier, oxygen barrier, or a combination thereof to the susceptor.
  • This "barrier susceptor” may be used in combination with gas flushing using carbon dioxide or nitrogen to provide an extended shelf life product for refrigerated, shelf stable, or frozen foods.
  • the barrier susceptor may be used to form a package that stores the product from the time of manufacture and shipping, through the cooking process, and during consumption.
  • Any suitable film may be used to form a susceptor in accordance with the present invention including, but not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol, barrier nylon, polyvinylidene chloride, barrier fluoropolymer, nylon 6, nylon 66, silicon oxide coated film, or any combination thereof. Additional examples barrier materials that may be suitable are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/954,435, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • 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, circles, loops, hexagons, islands, squares, rectangles, octagons, and so forth. Examples of alternative patterns and methods that may be suitable for use with the present invention are provided in U.S. Patent Nos.
  • the susceptor optionally is laminated to a support.
  • the support may comprise a partial or complete layer of the susceptor.
  • the support may be formed from paper, paperboard, a low shrink polymer, or any other suitable material.
  • a metallized polymer film may be laminated to a paper, for example, a kraft paper, or alternatively, a low shrink polymer film, for example, a cast nylon 6 or nylon 6,6 film, or a coextruded film containing such polymers.
  • the support may have a basis weight of about 15 to about 30 lbs/ream. In one aspect, the paper support as a basis weight of about 20 to about 30 lbs/ream. In another aspect, the paper support has a basis weight of about 25 lbs/ream.
  • the support may have a thickness of about 8 to about 20 mils. In one aspect, the paperboard support has a thickness of about 10 to about 18 mils. In another aspect, the paperboard support has a thickness of about 13 mils.
  • the support may be coated or laminated with other materials to impart other properties, such as absorbency, repellency, opacity, color, printability, stiffness, or cushioning.
  • absorbency, repellency, opacity, color, printability, stiffness, or cushioning are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,637, filed August 25, 2004, and U.S.
  • the support may include graphics or indicia printed thereon.
  • the insulating material may act as a support for the susceptor, may be in direct contact with the susceptor, and/or may be affixed thereto thermally, adhesively, mechanically, or any combination thereof, as is shown and described herein.
  • the thermal insulating material of the present invention comprises any flexible, substantially flexible, substantially rigid, or rigid material that minimizes the heat flux from the hot food item to the exterior of the package. As a result, the insulating material protects the consumer from contact with the heat generated during the cooking process. Typically, the insulating material provides a surface that is "cool to the touch", referring to a surface temperature of less than from about 130°F to about 14O 0 F.
  • insulating materials are contemplated by the present invention including, but not limited to, extruded polymers, injection molded polymers, thermoformed polymers, polymeric foams, bubble material, paperboard, paperboard laminates, cardboard, laminated molded pulp, single side fluted board, double side fluted board, corrugated board, or any combination thereof.
  • the insulating material may be coated or laminated with other materials to impart various properties, such as absorbency, repellency, opacity, color, printability, stiffness, or cushioning. Additionally, the insulating material may include graphics or indicia printed thereon.
  • the insulating material typically is positioned exterior to the susceptor, and distal from the food item.
  • the insulating material may be the outermost layer of the packaging and may be in direct contact with the hand of the user.
  • the insulating material may not be the outermost layer of the packaging and may not be in direct contact with the hand of the user.
  • the insulating material may not be the outermost layer of the packaging and may be in direct contact with the hand of the user.
  • the insulating material serves as the support for the susceptor, all or a portion of the insulating material may be in direct contact with the food item, and all or a portion of the insulating material may be in direct contact with the hand of the user.
  • the insulating material may be provided as various shapes and configurations.
  • the insulating material may form a shell into which all or a portion of the susceptor is placed.
  • the insulating material may form a sleeve into which all or a portion of the susceptor is placed.
  • the insulating material may be applied to an otherwise supported susceptor to provide one or more insulated regions in the package into which the susceptor material is placed.
  • the insulating material may be provided as a separate construct from the susceptor.
  • the insulating material may be provided as a pouch into which a susceptor material is inserted by the user.
  • the insulating material may alternatively be provided as unitary construct in which the components are joined together by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, mechanical fastening, or by any other method technique, or by any combination thereof, prior to use by the consumer.
  • the overall dimensions of the insulating material are substantially equal to the overall dimensions of the susceptor so that the entire surface of the susceptor is enclosed by the insulating material.
  • the overall dimensions of the insulating material are less than the overall dimensions of the susceptor, so that the insulating material covers only a portion or portions of the susceptor.
  • the insulating material may be positioned to correspond to the locations that a user typically would contact when handling the packaged food item.
  • the insulating material may be present to cover the bottom edge and some lower portion of the susceptor.
  • the insulating material may serve as the support for the susceptor, as is shown and described herein.
  • the insulating material comprises a flexible bubble packing material, for example, BUBBLE WRAP®, commercially available from Sealed Air Corporation (Saddle Brook, New Jersey).
  • a flexible bubble packing material for example, BUBBLE WRAP®, commercially available from Sealed Air Corporation (Saddle Brook, New Jersey).
  • Bubble materials typically comprise two layers of flexible film. Bubbles are thermally formed in a first layer, which is then attached to a flat second layer.
  • the second layer also may be formed to include bubbles.
  • the bubbles in the first layer and the bubbles in the second layer may be formed in any pattern or configuration, for example staggered or registered, facing toward each other or facing away from each other.
  • bubble materials are contemplated by the present invention, including bubble materials having multiple layers with multiple configurations, and laminates and alternate constructions thereof.
  • a non-raised area is present between the bubbles.
  • the flat surface of the bubble material is positioned in the package proximal to the susceptor.
  • the flat surface of the bubble material is positioned in the package distal from the susceptor. If desired, the bubble may be formed in a single ply of flexible film, which then may be adhered to the exterior surface of the susceptor or optional support.
  • the susceptor may be formed by laminating a metallized polymer film directly to a flexible film or by extrusion coating the metallized surface with a polymer film.
  • This highly flexible susceptor then may be used in combination with the bubble material concepts described herein, thereby obviating the need for a separate support such as paper for the susceptor.
  • a transparent package may be constructed according to this aspect of the present invention by using ITO as the microwave energy interactive material.
  • the overall dimensions of the insulating bubble material are substantially equal to the overall dimensions of the susceptor, so that the bubble material substantially surrounds the susceptor.
  • the bubble material may have a single open end that corresponds to the open end of the susceptor.
  • the bubble material may have two open ends, one that corresponds to the open end of the susceptor, and one that corresponds to the closed end of the susceptor distal from the open end of the susceptor.
  • a bubble material having two open ends may be slidably adjusted to position the insulating material in the location that the consumer grips the package.
  • the bubble material may be affixed to the susceptor or the optional support if desired. Any suitable method of affixing the bubble material to the other components may be used, for example, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, or any combination thereof.
  • the overall dimensions of the bubble material are less than the overall dimensions of the susceptor, so that the bubble material covers only a portion or portions of the susceptor.
  • the bubble material may be positioned on the food item package to provide discrete insulated areas to grip the package when the food item contained therein is hot.
  • the pattern of bubbles may be modified as needed for a particular food item. Such a modification might be made, for example, where it is desirable to provide some bubbles and the one or two layers of film typically used to form the bubble material, but it is not necessary or desirable to have a continuous pattern of bubbles.
  • the height of the bubbles may be modified as desired for each food item.
  • a greater volume of air within the bubble generally corresponds to greater insulation of the food item.
  • the thickness of the bubble material is about 1/16 in., 1/8 in., 3/16 in., !4 in., 5/16 in., 3/8 in., V% in., or any thickness therebetween.
  • the present invention also contemplates using a range of bubble heights and sizes in the bubble material, so that each package has selectively varying bubble dimensions. This might be desirable where, for example, the product has an irregular shape and the product will not fit readily into the product box with other wrapped food items. This might also be desirable where, for example, the intended use for the food item is an "on the go meal" and it is desirable to have a package that conforms to a cup holder in an automobile. In some such instances, it might be necessary or desirable to use a larger bubble size on the bottom portion of the package to stabilize the package when it is in an upright position.
  • the flexible bubble material may be perforated or apertured in the non-raised or flattened areas to permit moisture to vent away from the food during microwave heating, thereby enhancing the browning and crisping of the food.
  • the bubble material includes perforations or apertures that substantially correspond in location and size to perforations or apertures in the susceptor.
  • the bubble material includes perforations or apertures that may or may not correspond to perforations or apertures in the susceptor.
  • the bubble material includes perforations or apertures, and the susceptor does not.
  • the flexible bubble wrap may be produced from any flexible, thermoformable polymer including, but not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or polyester, or any blend or copolymer thereof, or any laminated or coextruded multilayer structure thereof.
  • the bubble material comprises a coextruded barrier film.
  • the package When used in connection with gas flushing using carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas, the package may provide an extended shelf life for refrigerated, shelf stable, or frozen foods. If desired, the bubble material may be formed at the point of food manufacture to eliminate the costs associated with shipping the large volume of air that would otherwise be contained in the bubbles.
  • the method of forming the bubble material at the point of manufacturing comprises providing flexible film roll stock to a machine with inline thermoforming and packaging capabilities, thermoforming the film into the desired bubble configuration, and bonding the thermoformed film to, for example, a flat film, a susceptor support, or a susceptor.
  • the method also contemplates additional processing steps including, for example, placing the food inside the package, drawing a vacuum on the package, flushing the package, heat sealing the package, and discharging the package.
  • Food packaging machines of this nature may be provided by, for example, Multivac Inc. (Kansas City, Missouri). Paperboard
  • the insulating material comprises paperboard, which may be provided as a "shell".
  • the shell may be formed from any suitable semi-rigid or rigid paperboard that is capable of supporting the susceptor and a food item contained therein.
  • the paperboard may have a thickness of about 8 to about 20 mils.
  • the paperboard support has a thickness of about 10 to about 18 mils.
  • the paperboard support has a thickness of about 13 mils.
  • the paperboard shell may receive a portion of the susceptor, or may receive substantially the entire susceptor.
  • the paperboard shell may be adapted to accommodate different shaped food items using folds, gussets, pleats, and so forth.
  • the paperboard shell may be used to form a shell that enables the food item to stand upright on a surface for easy handling.
  • the paperboard shell may be coated or laminated with other materials to impart other properties, such as absorbency, repellency, opacity, color, printability, stiffness, cushioning, or surface texture. Further, the paperboard may be bleached. Additionally, the paperboard shell may include graphics or indicia printed thereon.
  • Corrugated Paperboard or Cardboard According to another aspect of the present invention, the insulating material comprises a corrugated paperboard or cardboard (collectively "corrugated materials"). Corrugated materials may be used to form a partial or complete shell or sheath for the susceptor, may be used as a support for the susceptor, may be applied to a portion or portions of an otherwise supported susceptor, or any combination thereof.
  • corrugated materials may be used in accordance with the present invention in a variety of manners.
  • a corrugated material is used as the support for a susceptor.
  • the corrugated material has overall dimensions that are substantially equal to that of the susceptor.
  • the food item to be heated is inserted into the package, or sleeve, for heating.
  • a corrugated material sheath partially receives the susceptor, which is supported by, for example, paper or flexible paperboard.
  • the sheath has a first open end for receiving the susceptor and, optionally, a second open end distal from the open end of the susceptor.
  • a corrugated material is applied to a supported susceptor to protect the consumer from heat generated during the cooking process.
  • the corrugated material may be applied in any pattern including, but not limited to, a stripe, square, circle, rectangle, or any other shape, or any plurality or combination thereof.
  • Some corrugated materials comprise a flat side and a corrugated side. Such materials often are referred to as "single faced”.
  • Single faced corrugated materials that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, flute sizes A, B (47 flutes/linear ft), and E (90 flutes/linear ft).
  • corrugated materials comprise a first flat side, a second flat side, and corrugated material therebetween. Such materials often are referred to as "double faced”. Double faced corrugated materials that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, flute sizes B, C, E, and F. The present invention contemplates any configuration of these materials in the package.
  • a flat side of a corrugated material is disposed in a direction towards the susceptor.
  • a corrugated side of a corrugated material is disposed in a direction towards the susceptor.
  • Corrugated paperboard and cardboard materials have a longitudinal direction that runs along the length of the flutes, and a transverse direction that runs across the flutes. Corrugated materials may be relatively stiff when the material is flexed in the longitudinal direction, and relatively flexible when flexed in the transverse direction. As such, some packages using corrugated materials may use fold lines, perforations, gussets, or other structural features to enable a product to be inserted into the package.
  • the corrugated material or cardboard may be coated or laminated with other materials to impart other properties, such as absorbency, repellency, opacity, color, printability, stiffness, cushioning, or surface texture. Further, the material may be bleached. Additionally, the material may include graphics or indicia printed thereon. Foams
  • the insulating material comprises a flexible or semi-rigid, open or closed cell foam.
  • the thickness of the foam is about 1/16 in., 1/8 in., 3/16 in., 1 A in., 5/16 in., 3/8 in., Vz in., or any thickness therebetween.
  • the foam may be formed from any natural or synthetic material, for example, a polymeric material.
  • the foam may be applied as a spray, a pre-formed material, or may be formed during the microwave cooking process.
  • the foam may be used to form a partial or complete shell or sheath for the susceptor, may be used as a support for the susceptor, may be applied to a portion or portions of an otherwise supported susceptor, or any combination thereof.
  • foams may be used in accordance with the present invention in a variety of manners.
  • a foam sheath partially receives the susceptor material, which is supported by, for example, paper or flexible paperboard.
  • the sheath has a first open end for receiving the susceptor, and optionally, a second open end distal from the open end of the susceptor.
  • a foam is used as the support for a susceptor.
  • the foam has overall dimensions that are substantially equal to that of the susceptor.
  • a foam may be applied to an otherwise supported susceptor to protect the consumer from the heat generated during the cooking process.
  • the foam may be applied in any pattern including, but not limited to, a stripe, square, circle, rectangle, any other shape, or any plurality or combination thereof.
  • an insulating foam is formed in situ by applying microwave energy to the package.
  • the release of water from the food item or a paper layer may be used to initiate a chemical reaction or physical change in a polymer layer that results in the production of a polymer foam on or within the package.
  • the polymer layer may form the exterior of the package, so that the resulting foam is in contact with the hand of the user.
  • the polymer layer may be disposed between other layers, so that the change in construction is more subtle to the user.
  • a method for creating a foam layer from such polymers is provided in U.S. Patent No. 4,435,344, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
  • the packaging constructs are reduced in size, thereby decreasing packaging size and weight, and therefore shipping and transportation costs. Additionally, consumers who might otherwise find a packaging construct to be excessive might be less likely to do so when the insulating material is formed in this manner.
  • the thermal insulting material comprises an adhesive. Any adhesive may be used, provided that the melting point of the adhesive is above the temperature to which it will be exposed before, during, and after the cooking process.
  • the adhesive typically is applied to the exterior of the package to form one or more areas for gripping the package.
  • the adhesive may be applied as one or more stripes, circles, rectangles, squares, diamonds, wavy lines, squiggles, or any combination thereof, or any other shape or pattern as desired.
  • the adhesive may be applied using any suitable technique, such as slot coating, spray coating, roll coating, extrusion, or any combination thereof.
  • the thermal insulating material comprises a polymer, or combination of polymers.
  • Any polymer may be used, provided that the melting point of the polymer is above the temperature to which it will be exposed before, during, and after the cooking process.
  • Examples of polymers that may be suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the polymer is applied to the exterior of the package, for example, a sleeve.
  • the polymer may be positioned on the exterior of the package to provide discrete insulated areas to grip the package when the food item contained therein is hot.
  • the polymer may be applied as one or more stripes, circles, rectangles, squares, diamonds, wavy lines, squiggles, or any combination thereof, or any other shape or pattern as desired. It is contemplated that various patterns and designs may be used to provide aesthetic benefits in addition to the functional insulating benefits.
  • a polymer may be applied in a colored or textured pattern, to indicate how to handle the product (e.g., an arrow to indicate how to handle the product or to indicate which end is up), what the product is (e.g., a sandwich design on a sleeve for a microwave sandwich product, an apple design for a microwaveable apple pie product, and so forth), or to provide some aesthetically pleasing visual image (e.g., the sun, flowers, smiley faces, cars, sailboats, and so forth).
  • the insulating polymer is applied between layers of material that form the sleeve, shell, or other packaging construct.
  • the polymer may be applied in stripes, circles, or otherwise as described above between two layers of film, between a layer of film and paper, between a layer of film or paper and the susceptor, or in any other manner as desired.
  • the insulating polymer may be applied both to the exterior of the package and between various materials used to construct the package.
  • the polymer may be applied to the package or to any of the various components thereof using any suitable technique, such as slot coating, spray coating, roll coating, extrusion, or any combination thereof.
  • FIGS. 1-20 depict several exemplary constructs that may be formed according to the present invention.
  • the exemplary constructs have a "sleeve” or “pocket” or “pouch” configuration and are shown to be a hand-held package.
  • Other shapes and configurations are contemplated by the present invention. Examples of other shapes encompassed hereby include, but are not limited to, polygons, circles, ovals, cylinders, prisms, spheres, polyhedrons, and ellipsoids.
  • the shape of the package may be determined largely by the shape of the food item, and it should be understood that different packages are contemplated for different food items, for example, sandwiches, pizzas, French fries, soft pretzels, pizza bites, cheese sticks, pastries, doughs, and so forth. Additionally, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates packages for single-serving portions and for multiple-serving portions, and is not restricted to hand-held packages. It also should be understood that various components used to form the packages of the present invention may be interchanged. Thus, while only certain combinations are illustrated herein, numerous other combinations and configurations are contemplated hereby. Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a package 10 for a microwaveable food item 100 is provided.
  • the package 10 includes a susceptor in the form of a sleeve 15 in which the food item 100 is placed for cooking.
  • the sleeve 15 includes an open end 20 for receiving the food item 100.
  • the package 10 further includes an insulating shell 25 that receives at least a portion of a susceptor sleeve 15.
  • the shell 25 provides a stable device for supporting the food item in an upright position (best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4).
  • the shell 25 may be provided with a self-supporting base 32 for placing the food item on a surface, in the cup holder of a vehicle, and so forth, without causing the food item to tip over.
  • the shell 25 may be formed from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, and in some instances, the shell 25 may be formed from paperboard.
  • the shell 25 includes an open end 30 and a closed end 35.
  • the closed end 35 may be formed by adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, any combination thereof, or by any other suitable mechanical folding or locking mechanism.
  • the open end 30 of the shell 25 may have any suitable shape, and in some instances, the open end 30 has an arcuate shape. The arcuate shape permits the sides of the food item 100 to be supported, while exposing more food item 100 for access by the consumer.
  • a paperboard blank 40 comprises a front panel 45, a back panel 50 having the susceptor sleeve 15 attached thereto, a first side panel 55, a second side panel 60, and a bottom panel or base 32.
  • the first side panel 55 and the second side panel 60 are perforated or scored at lines 70 to enable folding.
  • the bottom panel 40 includes arcuate perforations or fold lines 75a and 75b and tabs 80a and 80b.
  • the back panel 50 is brought toward the front panel 45 and folded at fold lines 75.
  • the first side panel 55 and the second side panel 60 are brought together to form an overlap and joined using adhesive.
  • the tabs 80 provide feet for the shell 25 to stand on when the package 10 is placed on a surface.
  • the food item inserted into the sleeve may be heated in a microwave oven until the product reaches the desired temperature.
  • the temperature of the surface of food item may be as high as 400 0 F.
  • the presence of the thermal insulating shell enables the user to remove the item from the microwave oven without potential for burns or discomfort.
  • the user can peel the layers or panels 102a, 102b of the susceptor sleeve 15 apart at seams 80a, 80b and pull the layers towards the shell 25.
  • the consumer can confidently handle the food item 100 without concern about portions of the food item leaking from the base 32 of the shell 25.
  • the consumer can apply a gentle pressure to the bottom of the food item 100 disposed within the sleeve 15 inside the shell 25, thereby causing the food item 100 to move upward in a direction Y toward the open end 30 of the shell 25.
  • the user optionally may remove the remainder of the product 100 from the package and consume it.
  • the shell 105 is formed from a corrugated material.
  • the shell 105 may include an arcuate front panel 110 and/or an arcuate back panel (not shown). Additionally, the base 115 may be arcuate in shape and may include tabs or feet (not shown) for supporting the shell 105 when the food item/package is placed on a surface.
  • the corrugated side of the paperboard is facing outward from the sleeve 118 in a direction away from the susceptor. It should be understood that the corrugated side may alternatively face inward in a direction toward the susceptor if desired.
  • a package 120 comprising a susceptor sleeve 130 and a sheath 125 is provided.
  • the susceptor sleeve 130 may be formed as above, with sealed side edges 135a and 135b and a sealed bottom edge 140 (not shown).
  • the flexible sheath 130 is formed from a material having a longitudinal direction Y and a transverse direction X, for example, a corrugated material. The corrugated material is folded over from a side 122 and affixed adhesively or otherwise to the surface of the sleeve 130 to form the sheath 125.
  • the sheath 125 is flexible in the transverse direction X, but semi-rigid to rigid in the transverse direction Y.
  • the sheath 125 features an open bottom end 145 in addition to an open top end 150.
  • the sheath 125 thus "opens up" to receive the food item (not shown) within the sleeve 130.
  • the food item (not shown) can be inserted readily into the sleeve 130 without damaging the packaging or the food item (not shown).
  • FIGS. 7-10 another package 155 forme d according to the present invention is provided.
  • the susceptor shell 160 is formed from a semi-rigid or flexible paperboard having the microwave energy interactive material supported thereon (not shown).
  • the microwave energy interactive material may be applied in any pattern as desired, and in some instances, may be substantially continuous.
  • the shell 160 includes a front panel 165 and a back panel 170.
  • the front panel 165 is generally rectangular in shape, and has one end 175 having an amygdaloidal (almond-shaped) flap 180 extending therefrom.
  • the flap 180 is formed at a perforation or fold line 185 in the front panel 165.
  • the flap 180 may include a tab 190.
  • the back panel 170 may include a slot 195 for receiving the tab 190 to form a bottom panel 200.
  • the slot 195 may have any suitable shape (depending on the shape of the tab 190), and in some instances, the slot 195 may be diamond-shaped.
  • the bottom panel 200 Upon insertion of the tab 190 into the slot 195, the bottom panel 200 remains locked during use and fully supports the food item contained therein when the package 155 is held in a generally upright position.
  • FIG. 8 An exemplary blank 210 for forming the package 155 is provided in FIG. 8.
  • the back panel 170 is brought towards a side flap 215 so that the susceptor is on the interior of the package 155.
  • the side flap 215 is tucked under the back panel 170 and adhered thereto using an adhesive or other suitable method.
  • Flap 180 is then folded towards the back panel 170, and tab 190 is inserted into slot 195.
  • the package 155 remains in a locked position at this closed end 200 and open at an open end 225 for receiving the food item (not shown).
  • the insulating material may be a corrugated paper as shown, or may be any other material described herein or contemplated hereby.
  • the insulating material 205 typically may be applied in places on the front panel 165, back panel 170 (not shown), or both, where a user would hold the package 155 to consume the food item (not shown).
  • the insulating material 205 may be applied as a continuous insulating region or as one or more several separate insulating regions, and may extend around the susceptor, from the top to the bottom of the susceptor if desired.
  • an insulating material 205 is applied to a portion of the exterior of the front panel 165 and to a portion of the exterior of the back panel 170 (not shown).
  • a package is provided that protects the user from the heat generated during the cooking process, contains the food item without leaking, and is conveniently transported from the microwave to the user's destination.
  • apertures 210a and 210b may be provided to assist with venting of the package 155 during cooking. Circular apertures are shown; however, it should be understood that any shaped aperture may be used as desired. The use of apertures to enhance the results of microwave cooking are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,948,932, incorporated by reference herein it its entirety.
  • the package may have a front panel comprising a first end flap and a second end flap, each of which is adapted to be inserted into a first slot and a second slot in the back panel.
  • either or both ends may be sealed during the cooking process and/or for handling of the food item.
  • a consumer who, for example, cooks a food item in a microwave oven, is able to transport the food item from one location to another, e.g., home to work, work to home, etc., without concern about the food item dislodging from the package.
  • FIG. 11 depicts an alternative construction of a package blank 230 that forms a package capable of closing at each end.
  • the package blank 230 comprises a front panel 235 including a first end flap 240a and a second end flap 240b, each of which includes an arcuate cutout 242a and 242b, respectively, and is adapted to be folded toward the interior of the package at arcuate perforations or fold lines 245a and 245b.
  • the package blank 230 also includes a back panel 250 including a third end flap 255a and a fourth end flap 255b, each of which is adapted to be folded towards the interior of the package at arcuate perforations or fold lines 260a and 260b.
  • the front panel 235 is folded in a direction towards a side panel 265 that results in the susceptor being on the interior of the package.
  • the side flap 265 is tucked under the front panel 235 and adhered thereto using an adhesive or any other suitable method.
  • End flaps 240a and 255a are folded toward one another, thereby closing a first end 270.
  • End flaps 240b and 255b are folded toward one another, thereby closing a second end 275.
  • FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary package 280 having the double flap construction described in connection with FIG. 11 at one end 285 of the package 280.
  • the package further includes an insulating material 290, in this instance, a corrugated material.
  • An insulating material 290 also may be present on the back panel (not shown).
  • the package depicted in FIG. 12 includes an insulating material having the corrugations facing in a direction away from the susceptor, alternative constructions in which the corrugations are facing in a direction toward the susceptor are also contemplated hereby.
  • a package 300 formed from a corrugated material is provided.
  • the package 300 includes an open end 305 for inserting the food item (not shown) therein.
  • the susceptor 310 is on the corrugated side of the corrugated material, such that the flutes of the corrugated material comprise the susceptor. Thus, some of the susceptor 310 is in intimate contact with the food item (not shown), and some of the susceptor 310 is in proximate contact with the food item (not shown).
  • the flutes 315 on the interior of the package 300 provide the desired insulating effect to enable the consumer to handle the package comfortably, and also channel moisture generated during the cooking cycle to the open end 305 of the package 300. Thus, this construction additionally improves the browning and crisping of the food item.
  • An alternate construction of a package 325 of the present invention is provided in FIG. 14.
  • the package 325 includes an open end 327 and a closed end 329.
  • a susceptor 330 is laminated to a bubble material 335.
  • the susceptor comprises a metal 340 deposited on a polyester film 342 and laminated to a paper 344, as provided in FIG. 15.
  • the susceptor alternatively may include 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.
  • the bubble material 335 may be positioned in a direction towards or away from the susceptor 330. In the example depicted in FIG.
  • the bubble material 345 is positioned in a direction away from the susceptor 330. Additionally, the bubble material 335 substantially covers the susceptor 330. However, it should be understood that the bubble material 345 may be applied to any portion of the susceptor 330 as needed to support the food item (not shown) contained therein, and to provide sufficient insulation to protect the consumer from the hot product.
  • a package 350 for microwave cooking comprises an open end 355 and a closed end 360.
  • the package 350 comprises a susceptor 365 laminated to an foam insulating material 370.
  • the insulating material 370 is a closed cell foam; however, open cell foams and other insulating materials described herein or contemplated hereby may be used.
  • the susceptor 365 is formed from a metal 375 deposited on a polyester film 380 and laminated to a paper 385, as shown in FIG. 17.
  • the susceptor alternatively may include 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.
  • the foam 370 substantially covers the susceptor 365.
  • the foam 370 may be applied to any portion of the susceptor 365 as needed to support the food item 390 contained therein, and to provide sufficient insulation to shield the consumer from the heat generated during the cooking process.
  • FIG. 18 depicts yet another aspect of the present invention.
  • a package 400 includes an open end 405 and a closed end 410, and is formed from a bubble material 415 laminated to a metallized polyester film susceptor 420.
  • the susceptor 420 does not include a paper layer.
  • the package is a translucent gray, in contrast to the more opaque packages typically formed using a paper support.
  • the package 400 substantially covers the food item 425.
  • the package 400 may be designed so that the bubble material 415 and susceptor 420 only partially cover the food item 425.
  • the configuration of the package will depend on the size and shape of the food item contained therein, the desired degree of browning and crisping, and the amount of coverage needed to provide sufficient insulation to provide for comfortable handling and protect the consumer from the hot product.
  • FIG. 19 depicts still another aspect of the present invention.
  • a package or sleeve 450 includes an open end 455 and a closed end 460, and is formed from a material comprising two layers of flexible nylon film having nylon insulating strips 465 laminated therebetween.
  • the nylon film layers are laminated to a metallized PET film, such that the metallized side of the PET film is positioned in a direction away from the food item (not shown).
  • the nylon strips act as the insulating material to protect the consumer from the heat generated during the cooking process.
  • the metallized layer could be positioned in a direction toward the food item.
  • the efficacy of the package of the present invention was evaluated for (1) providing the desired heating and browning effect, and (2) providing the desired thermal insulation so that the product was cool to the touch upon removal from the microwave oven.
  • a Nestle HOT POCKET® with a precooked pastry outer shell and chicken & cheddar filling (4 oz.) was cooked for 2 minutes in a 1999 Panasonic 1100 watt model NNS540-BFW microwave oven (manufactured Sep. 2001) with a turntable.
  • the products were stored in a non-"frost free” freezer to avoid cycling temperatures.
  • the temperature of the food item was monitored to assure a zero degree start point for product.
  • the oven was pre ⁇ conditioned for 5 minutes with a 2000 gram water load.
  • the turntable was cooled to ambient temperature after each test to prevent accumulation of heat.
  • the oven was periodically power tested via a standard water heating test to confirm performance. Additionally, the oven was on its own separate electrical circuit to control line voltage variation from test-to-test.
  • FIGS. 1-3 The package of FIGS. 1-3 was used to prepare a HOT POCKET® brand sandwich according to the procedure described above.
  • FIG. 4 depicts the resulting food item. The package was cool to the touch upon removal of the food item from the oven. Additionally, the product was sufficiently heated, crisped, and browned.
  • FIG. 14 The package of FIG. 14 was used to prepare a HOT POCKET® brand sandwich from according to the procedure described above.
  • FIG. 20 depicts the resulting food item. The package was cool to the touch upon removal of the food iteni from the oven. Additionally, the product was sufficiently heated, crisped, and browned.
  • FIG. 16 The package of FIG. 16 was used to prepare a HOT POCKET® brand sandwich according to the procedure described above.
  • FIG. 16 depicts the resulting product.
  • the package was cool to the touch upon removal of the food item from the oven. Additionally, the product was sufficiently heated, crisped, and browned.
  • FIG. 18 The package of FIG. 18 was used to prepare a HOT POCKET® brand sandwich according to the procedure described above.
  • FIG. 21 depicts the resulting product. The package was cool to the touch upon removal of the food item from the oven. Additionally, the product was sufficiently heated, crisped, and browned.
  • the various packages encompassed by the present invention each include a susceptor, an insulating material, and an optional support.
  • the packages of the present invention provide numerous advantages over currently available food item packages from the time of manufacture through storage, cooking, and consumption.
  • the present invention contemplates packages for use with single- serving products or multiple-serving products.
  • the packages of the present invention are readily adaptable for use with a point of sale product.
  • the package configurations are compatible with high speed packaging equipment.
  • the packages of the present invention may be used with foods that are desired to have a longer shelf life.
  • the packages of the present invention provide superior heating, browning, and crisping.
  • the packages are sufficiently flexible to provide intimate or proximate food contact, thereby permitting the susceptor to remain in intimate or proximate contact with irregular and inconsistent food shapes, including rising dough food formulations, for maximum heat flux from the susceptor to the food surface.
  • various packages of the present invention provide features that increase the contact between the susceptor and the food item, thereby increasing the rate of heat transfer to the food.
  • the packages of the present invention are vented to evacuate moisture, which in turn provides even browning and crisping over the entire food item.
  • the packages of the present invention are adapted readily to include susceptor technologies, such as the QWIK WAVE ® Focus Susceptor or the MICRO-RITE ® susceptor, that provide and enhance uniform product heating.
  • the packages of the present invention also offer greater convenience to the user.
  • the packages feature an insulating material that provides a cool surface for handling immediately from the microwave oven.
  • the various packages of the present invention provide features that prevent the food from leaking from the bottom of the package when held in an upright position.
  • many of the components offer an oil and moisture absorbing feature to maintain the quality of the food item and prevent accidental drips onto clothing or skin.
  • the packages are also portable and convenient to eat from.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne divers emballages destinés à chauffer des articles alimentaires y étant contenus.
PCT/US2005/034008 2004-11-10 2005-09-22 Emballages isoles destines a des aliments pour micro-ondes WO2006052326A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

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CA002586472A CA2586472A1 (fr) 2004-11-10 2005-09-22 Emballages isoles destines a des aliments pour micro-ondes
EP05800210A EP1814803A2 (fr) 2004-11-10 2005-09-22 Emballages isoles destines a des aliments pour micro-ondes

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US62656904P 2004-11-10 2004-11-10
US60/626,569 2004-11-10
US62870304P 2004-11-17 2004-11-17
US60/628,703 2004-11-17

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