WO2010033561A2 - Dispositif de chauffage à micro-ondes reconfigurable - Google Patents

Dispositif de chauffage à micro-ondes reconfigurable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010033561A2
WO2010033561A2 PCT/US2009/057112 US2009057112W WO2010033561A2 WO 2010033561 A2 WO2010033561 A2 WO 2010033561A2 US 2009057112 W US2009057112 W US 2009057112W WO 2010033561 A2 WO2010033561 A2 WO 2010033561A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
line
movable portion
disruption
microwave energy
panel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/057112
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010033561A3 (fr
Inventor
Lorin R. Cole
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.
Publication of WO2010033561A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010033561A2/fr
Publication of WO2010033561A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010033561A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/08—Pressure-cookers; Lids or locking devices specially adapted therefor
    • A47J27/088—Pressure-cookers; Lids or locking devices specially adapted therefor adapted to high-frequency heating
    • 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
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
    • B65D5/545—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
    • B65D5/5455—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lines of weakness being provided in a closure hinged to an edge of the container body
    • 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
    • B65D2581/3454—Microwave reactive layer having a specified optical density
    • 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
    • B65D2581/3495—Microwave susceptor attached to the lid
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D2585/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D2585/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products
    • B65D2585/363—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products specific products
    • B65D2585/366—Pizza

Definitions

  • Constructs or packages for heating or cooking a food item in a microwave oven are disclosed.
  • this disclosure relates to various constructs for heating or cooking a food item in a microwave oven, where the food item has a surface intended to be browned and/or crisped.
  • This disclosure is directed generally to a package, carton, or other construct
  • the construct may be reconfigured and used to heat, brown, and/or crisp a food item in a microwave oven.
  • the construct may include two or more superposed microwave energy interactive areas that enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
  • the construct may be formed from a disposable material, for example, paperboard.
  • Each microwave energy interactive area generally comprises a microwave energy interactive element that alters the effect of microwave energy on the adjacent food item.
  • the microwave interactive element comprises a susceptor element, i.e., a thin layer of microwave energy interactive material (generally less than about 100 angstroms in thickness, for example, from about 60 to about 100 angstroms in thickness, having an optical density of 0.15 to about 0.35 (e.g., from about 0.21 to about 0.28)) that tends to absorb at least a portion of impinging microwave energy and convert it to thermal energy (i.e., heat) at the interface with the food item.
  • Susceptor elements often are used to promote browning and/or crisping of the surface of a food item. However, other microwave energy interactive elements may be used.
  • the construct may be used to prepare various food items in a microwave oven, for example, pizza, sandwiches, savory or sweet pastries, breaded food items, or any other food item that desirably is heated, browned, and/or crisped.
  • FIGS. IA and IB are alternate schematic perspective views of an exemplary microwave heating construct in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 1C is a schematic end elevation view of the construct of FIGS. IA and IB;
  • FIG. ID is a schematic perspective view of the construct of FIGS. IA and IB in an open configuration
  • FIG. IE is a schematic perspective view of the construct of FIG. 1C in an open configuration, with the top panel folded under the base panel; and FIG. IF schematically depicts an exemplary blank used to form the construct of FIGS. 1A-1E.
  • FIGS. 1A-1D schematically depict an exemplary microwave heating construct or package 100.
  • the construct 100 generally includes a base or bottom panel 102 (FIG. 1C and ID) and a plurality of upstanding panels or walls extend upwardly from a peripheral (e.g., outermost) edge of the base panel 102 to define an interior space 104 for receiving a food item F, as shown in FIG. ID (which illustrates the construct 100 in an open configuration).
  • the plurality of walls includes a back wall 106, a front wall 108, and a pair of side walls 110, 112.
  • a top panel or cover 114 opposite the base 102 is foldably joined to the back panel 106 along a fold line 116.
  • a closure flap 118 may be joined to the top panel 114 along a fold line 120.
  • the closure flap 118 may be overlapped with (and optionally joined to) the front wall 108. It will be appreciated that terms such as “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, and “side” are used merely for purposes of explanation, and not limitation.
  • the top panel 114 and back wall 106 each include a respective movable portion 114', 106' defined by at least one score line, tear line, or other line of disruption or weakening. More particularly, in this example, the movable or "repositionable" portion 114' of the top panel 114 is defined by a pair of outwardly oblique (i.e., diverging) tear lines 122 extending substantially from a first edge of the top panel 114 adjacent to the back wall 106 (i.e., substantially along fold line 116), a pair of substantially parallel tear lines 124' extending from the oblique tear lines along the side edges of the top panel 114 (i.e., substantially along and collinear with fold lines 124), and a pair of inwardly oblique (i.e., converging) tear lines 126 extending from the substantially parallel tear lines 124' to a second edge of the top panel 114 opposite the first edge (i.e., substantially along
  • the portion 116' of fold line 116 between the outwardly oblique fold lines 122 serves as a hinge line 116' for the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114, as will be described further below.
  • tear lines 122, 124', 126 comprise one set of lines of disruption that make up a pair of offset kiss cut lines, that is, a pair of lines of weakening, one on each side of the respective panel that are offset from one another, each extending only partially through the thickness of the panel, such that the thickness of the panel in the kiss cut area 128 (i.e., the space between the kiss cut lines) is divided upon separation along the kiss cut lines, as shown in FIGS. ID and IE.
  • the kiss cut lines 130 on the reverse side of the blank are shown in dotted lines, since such lines are hidden from view in FIGS. IA and IB.
  • the kiss cut tear lines may be spaced apart from one another to resemble a conventional tear line to provide a visual cue to the user (as shown in FIGS. IA and IB), or alternatively may form a continuous or substantially continuous line (rather than being configured as a plurality of spaced apart kiss cuts, as shown).
  • other types of lines of disruption may be used.
  • the movable or "hingeable" portion 106' of the back wall 106 is defined by a line of disruption (e.g., tear line or fold line) 132 substantially parallel to fold line 116 and a pair of lines of disruption (e.g., tear lines) 134 extending between respective endpoints of fold line portion 116' and tear line 132 (FIGS. IB and 1C).
  • a line of disruption e.g., tear line or fold line
  • a pair of lines of disruption e.g., tear lines
  • Tear line 132 serves as a hinge line for the movable portion 106' of the back wall 106, as will be discussed further below.
  • a microwave energy interactive element 136 may overlie and/or may be joined to at least a portion of the interior side of the top panel 114.
  • a microwave energy interactive element 138 (schematically shown by stippling) may overlie and may be joined to at least a portion of the interior side of the base panel 102.
  • One or both of the microwave energy interactive elements 136, 138 may be supported on a respective polymer film 140, 142, such that the polymer film at least partially defines the interior surface 140, 142 of the top panel 114 and base panel 102.
  • the microwave energy interactive elements 136, 138 each comprise a susceptor that is operative for becoming hot in response to microwave energy. Such elements may be used to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item heated within the construct 100. However, other microwave energy interactive elements may be used, as will be discussed in detail below.
  • the construct 100 may be used to contain the food item F prior to heating.
  • the food item F may be seated on the base panel 102 and may be wrapped in an overwrap if desired.
  • the closure flap 118 may be lifted away from the front wall 108.
  • Tab 144 and/or notch 146 (FIG. IA) in the front wall 108 may be included to assist with separation of the closure flap 118 from the front wall 108.
  • the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 then may be separated from the remainder of the top panel 114 by continuing to lift the closure flap 118 away from the interior space 104 and tearing along lines of disruption 122, 124', 126, and 130 and folding along fold line 116'. In doing so, it may be necessary to tear slightly along fold line 116 (between the endpoints of tear lines 122 and 134), as will be evident viewing FIG. IB. However, it will be appreciated that where a conventional tear line is used, rather than an offset kiss cut line, it may not be necessary to tear along fold line 116.
  • the tear lines defining the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 may be coterminous with the tear lines defining the movable portion 106' of the back wall 106 (e.g., tear lines 122 may be conterminous with tear lines 134).
  • fold line 116 may be provided with nicks or other cuts to facilitate separation of the movable portion 114 from the remainder of panel 114.
  • the movable portion 106' of the back wall 106 then may be partially separated from the remainder of the back wall 106 by tearing along tear lines 134 and by folding along line of disruption 132.
  • the repositionable portion 114 f of the top panel 114 then may be folded beneath the base panel 102, as shown in FIG. IE. In doing so, the hingeable portion 106' of the back wall 106 is moved into facing, adjacent relationship with a fixed portion 148 (FIGS.
  • line of disruption 132 is positioned at about one-half the height H of the back wall 106, such that the respective heights Hl, H2 of the movable portion 106' and fixed portion 148 are approximately equal, and such that hinge line 116' may be repositioned to be adjacent to fold line ISO (FIG. 1C).
  • the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 can be positioned substantially beneath the base 102.
  • the susceptor 136 on the top panel 114 faces the turntable or bottom of the microwave oven, and is substantially superposed with the susceptor 138 on the base panel 102.
  • This substantially complete superposing of the susceptors 136, 138 in the exemplary illustrated embodiment is made possible by the movable portion 106' of the back wall 106. Without such a movable portion 106' (i.e., such that only hinge line 116' is available), only a partial superposing of the susceptors 136, 138 could be achieved. It is contemplated that other configurations of lines of disruption may be used. For example, it is contemplated that the movable portion 106' may have a greater height Hl than the height H2 of fixed portion 148, such that the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 can be tucked beneath the base 102 even further.
  • the microwave energy interactive elements 136, 138 Upon sufficient exposure to microwave energy, the microwave energy interactive elements 136, 138, for example, susceptors, convert at least a portion of the impinging microwave energy into thermal energy, which then may be transferred to the bottom of the food item F seated on the base panel 102. As a result, the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item may be enhanced.
  • the present inventors have discovered that by having two susceptors 136, 138 superposed with one another in this manner, additional heat may be transferred to the food item as compared with only one susceptor, thereby resulting in greater heating, browning, and/or crisping than can be achieved using a single susceptor.
  • susceptor 136 may be omitted, and the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 can be tucked beneath the base 102 to provide elevation and/or thermal insulation to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
  • both susceptors 136, 138 may be omitted, and the movable portion 114' of the top panel 114 can be positioned beneath the base 102 to provide elevation and/or thermal insulation to enhance heating of the food item.
  • the construct 100 may be removed from the microwave oven. If desired, the movable portions 114', 106' of the construct 100 may be removed completely by tearing along the hinge line 132, and the remainder of the construct 100 may be used as a container for serving and consuming the food item F. Alternatively, the movable portions 114', 106' may be fully separated from the remainder of the construct 100 prior to heating, and placed beneath the base panel 102 as described above. In such a case, the removable portion 120 may simply be discarded after the food item F is heated.
  • FIG. IF depicts a schematic top plan view of one side of an exemplary blank 152 that may be used to form the construct of FIGS. 1A-1E.
  • the blank 152 includes a plurality of panels joined along lines of weakening or disruption, for example, fold lines, tear lines, score lines, or any other lines of weakening or disruption, or any combination thereof.
  • the blank 152 and each of the various panels generally has a first dimension, for example, a length, extending in a first direction, for example, a longitudinal direction, Dl, and a second dimension, for example, a width, extending in a second direction, for example, a transverse direction, D2.
  • the blank 152 may be symmetric or nearly symmetric about a transverse centerline CT. Therefore, certain elements in the drawing figures may have similar or identical reference numerals to reflect the whole or partial symmetry.
  • the blank 152 may have any suitable dimensions needed for a particular microwave heating application.
  • the particular dimensions may depend on the type of food item being heated, the desired heating time, the desired degree of browning and/or crisping, or any other suitable criteria.
  • the blank 152 includes a first major panel 102 and a second major panel (or second main panel) 114 that may respectively serve as a base or bottom panel 102 and top panel 114 for the construct 100 (FIGS. 1 A-IE) to be formed from the blank 152.
  • a first minor panel (or back wall panel) 106 is joined to panel 102 along a longitudinal line of disruption, for example, fold line 150.
  • a second minor panel (or first front wall panel) 108a is joined to panel 102 along a longitudinal line of disruption, for example, fold line 154, opposite and substantially parallel to longitudinal fold line 150.
  • a pair of opposed minor panels (or first side wall panels) HOa, 112a is joined to panel 102 along respective transverse lines of disruption, for example, fold lines 156, which may be substantially parallel to one another.
  • Fold lines 150, 154 may be substantially perpendicular to fold lines 156 such that panel 102 has a substantially square shape, with fold lines 150, 154, 156 extending substantially along and/or defining the peripheral edges of panel 102.
  • other configurations of fold lines and shapes are contemplated hereby.
  • a microwave energy interactive element 138 may overlie and/or may be joined to all or a portion of panel 102 to define a microwave energy interactive heating surface for receiving the food item (i.e., for supporting the food item in a facing, substantially contacting relationship).
  • the susceptor 138 has a substantially square shape with rounded corners.
  • the susceptor 138 overlies a central portion of panel 102, while the peripheral margin of panel 102 is microwave energy transparent, such that the microwave energy transparent area circumscribes the susceptor 138.
  • other configurations of the susceptor 138 and other microwave energy interactive elements may be used, as will be discussed further below.
  • the susceptor may overlie the entirety of panel 102.
  • the second major panel (or second main panel) 114 is joined to panel 106 along a longitudinal fold line 116.
  • Minor panel (or second front wall panel) 108b is joined to panel 114 along a longitudinal fold line 120, which may be substantially parallel to fold line 116.
  • Panel 108b includes a pair of lines of disruption 158 extending convergently from fold line 120 towards a tab 142, which lies along a transverse peripheral edge of the blank 152.
  • the tear line 158 comprises a plurality of "zipper” cuts, each of which generally includes a transverse portion and an oblique portion, such that the plurality of cuts collectively resemble a zipper.
  • a pair of V-shaped or triangular cuts 160 are disposed adjacent to the tab 142 along the peripheral edge of the blank 152.
  • a pair of opposed minor panels (or second side wall panels) 110b, 112b is joined to panel 102 along respective transverse lines of disruption, for example, fold lines 124, which may be substantially parallel to one another.
  • Fold lines 116, 120 may be substantially perpendicular to fold lines 124 such that panel 102 has a substantially square shape, with fold lines 116, 120, 124 extending substantially along and/or defining the peripheral edges of panel 102.
  • other configurations of fold lines and shapes are contemplated hereby.
  • panel 114 includes a plurality of lines of disruption (e.g., tear lines) that define a movable or repositionable (a nd in some cases, removable) portion 114' of the construct 100 (FIGS. 1A-1E) formed from the blank 152.
  • lines of disruption e.g., tear lines
  • a movable or repositionable portion 114' of the construct 100 FIGGS. 1A-1E
  • oblique lines of disruption e.g., tear lines
  • substantially parallel lines of disruption e.g., tear lines
  • oblique lines of disruption e.g., tear lines
  • tear lines 126 extend substantially from endpoints of tear lines 124' to fold line 120, such that tear lines 126 are substantially coterminous with the endpoints of tear line 158.
  • each line of disruption 122, 124', 126 consists of a series of spaced apart kiss cuts arranged end-to-end, as schematically depicted in the drawings.
  • other types of lines of disruption may be used.
  • kiss cuts 130 extend partially through the thickness of panel 114 to define a kiss cut area 128 between the kiss cuts 130 on one side of the blank 152 and the various lines of disruption 122, 124', 126 on the other side of the blank 152, as described above in connection with FIGS. IA and IB.
  • the oblique tear lines 122, 126 are substantially equal in length and their respective ends (i.e., endpoints) are equidistant from the respectively adjacent corner of panel 114, such that the resulting movable portion 114' has a substantially symmetrical, substantially octagonal shape.
  • the movable portion 114' can be thought of as having a substantially square shape with chamfered corners. However, other regular and irregular shapes are contemplated by the disclosure. Further, it is also contemplated that non-oblique lines of disruption may be used to form the movable portion 114*. For example, each oblique fold line may be replaced with one or more transverse and/or longitudinal fold lines. The overall shape of the movable portion 114' may vary for each embodiment.
  • the movable portion 114' of panel 114 includes some edges that are substantially collinear with the edges of the panel 114 along tear lines 124', the remainder of panel 114 (i.e., the portion of panel 114 excluding the movable portion 114') includes four corner portions that are substantially isolated or discrete from one another.
  • the oblique tear lines 122, 126, tear lines 124', and fold line portions 116", 120' connecting them may be distanced from each peripheral edge of panel 114, such that the movable portion 114' may be circumscribed by the remainder of the panel 114 along each peripheral edge of the panel 114.
  • Panel 106 includes a plurality of tear lines that define a movable or hingeable portion (and in some cases, removable portion) 106' of the construct 100 formed from the blank 152.
  • movable portion 106' is defined by a pair of lines of disruption (e.g., tear lines) 134 extending from fold line 116 substantially adjacent to endpoints of kiss cuts 130, and a line of disruption (e.g., tear line) 132 extending between the endpoints of tear lines 134.
  • line of disruption 132 is substantially centered along the second dimension D2 of panel 106.
  • tear lines 134 are substantially perpendicular to fold line 116 such that the resulting movable portion 106' is substantially rectangular in shape.
  • the cuts or other lines of disruption may be positioned otherwise and/or may be oblique to one other to define differently positioned and/or shaped hingeable portions.
  • the movable portion 106' of panel 106 may serve as a hinge for pivoting the movable portion 114' of panel 114, as described in connection with FIGS. ID and IE.
  • Respective pairs of tuck-in panels 162, 164 are joined respectively to opposite longitudinal ends of panels 106, 108a along respective opposed pairs of transverse fold lines 166, 168.
  • panels 102, 114 may be brought into a superposed arrangement by folding along fold lines 116, 150. Tuck in panels 162 may be folded inwardly by folding along fold lines 166. Panels HOa, HOb may be overlapped with one another by folding along respective fold lines 124, 156 and joined to one another adhesively, mechanically, or using any other suitable technique to form side wall 110. Likewise, panels 112a, 112b may be overlapped with one another by folding along respective fold lines 124, 156 and joined to one another adhesively, mechanically, or using any other suitable technique to form side wall 112.
  • Tuck in panels 164 may be folded inwardly by folding along fold lines 168.
  • Front wall panels 108a, 108b may be overlapped with one another by folding along respective fold lines 154, 120 and joined to one another adhesively, mechanically, or using any other suitable technique to form front wall 108 and the construct 100.
  • the food item F may be inserted into the construct 100 at any suitable time.
  • the construct 100 may be formed "around" the food item to be contained in the construct.
  • Numerous other microwave heating constructs are encompassed by the disclosure. Any of such constructs may be formed from various materials, provided that the materials are substantially resistant to softening, scorching, combusting, or degrading at typical microwave oven heating temperatures, for example, at from about 250 0 F to about 425°F.
  • the materials may include microwave energy interactive materials, for example, those used to form susceptors (e.g., s ⁇ sceptors 136, 138) and other microwave energy interactive elements, and microwave energy transparent or inactive materials, for example, those used to form the remainder of the construct.
  • 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 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, for example, oxides of aluminum, iron, and tin, optionally used in conjunction with an electrically conductive material.
  • a metal oxide for example, oxides of aluminum, iron, and tin
  • ITO indium tin oxide
  • 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 construct also may include a foil or high optical density evaporated material having a thickness sufficient to reflect a substantial portion of impinging microwave energy.
  • a foil or high optical density evaporated material having a thickness sufficient to reflect a substantial portion of impinging microwave energy.
  • Such elements are typically formed from a conductive, reflective metal or metal alloy, for example, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, in the form of a solid "patch" generally having a thickness of from about 0.000285 inches to about 0.05 inches, for example, from about 0.0003 inches to about 0.03 inches. Other such elements may have a thickness of from about 0.00035 inches to about 0.020 inches, for example, 0.016 inches. Larger microwave energy reflecting elements may be used where the food item is prone to scorching or drying out during heating. Smaller microwave energy reflecting elements may be used to diffuse or lessen the intensity of microwave energy.
  • a plurality of smaller microwave energy reflecting elements also may be arranged to form a microwave energy directing element to direct microwave energy to specific areas of the food item.
  • the loops may be of a length that causes microwave energy to resonate, thereby enhancing the distribution effect.
  • Microwave energy distributing elements are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,204,492, 6,433,322, 6,552,315, and 6,677,563, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • any of the numerous microwave energy 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 breaks or apertures may extend through the entire structure, or only through one or more layers.
  • the number, shape, size, and positioning of such breaks or apertures may vary for a particular application depending on the type of 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 one or more layers or materials used to form the construct, or may be a non- physical "aperture" (not shown).
  • a non-physical aperture is a microwave energy transparent area that allows microwave energy to pass through the structure without an actual void or hole cut through the structure.
  • Such areas may be formed by simply not applying microwave energy interactive material to the particular area, or by removing microwave energy interactive material in the particular area, or by mechanically deactivating the particular area (rendering the area electrically discontinuous).
  • the areas may be formed by chemically deactivating the microwave energy interactive material in the particular area, thereby transforming the microwave energy interactive material in the area into a substance that is transparent to microwave energy (i.e., microwave energy inactive). 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 escape from the interior of the construct.
  • 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 (i.e., microwave energy transparent) 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 heating, browning, and/or crisping. In some instances, it may be beneficial to create one or more discontinuities or inactive regions to prevent overheating or charring of the construct.
  • the concentration of heat generated by the overlapped panels may be sufficient to cause the underlying support, in this case, paperboard, to become scorched.
  • the overlapping portions of the panels may be designed to be microwave energy transparent, for example, by forming these areas of the blank 152 or construct 100 without a microwave energy interactive material, by removing any microwave energy interactive material that has been applied, or by deactivating the microwave energy interactive material in these areas, as discussed above.
  • one or more panels, portions of panels, or portions of the construct may be designed to be microwave energy inactive to ensure that the microwave energy is focused efficiently on the areas to be heated, browned, and/or crisped, rather than being lost to portions of the food item not intended to be browned and/or crisped or to the heating environment.
  • the peripheral margin of panels 102, 114 and the entirety of panels 106, 108a, 108b, HOa, HOb, 112a, 112b, 162, 164 may be microwave energy inactive where such areas are not likely to be in proximate or intimate contact with the primary areas of the food item intended to be browned and/or crisped.
  • the microwave energy interactive element 136, 138 may be supported on a microwave inactive or transparent substrate 140, 142, for example, a polymer film or other suitable polymeric material, for ease of handling and/or to prevent contact between the microwave energy interactive material and the food item.
  • the outermost surface of the polymer film may define at least a portion of the food-contacting surface of the package (e.g., the surface of respective polymer film 140, 142).
  • polymer films that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polysulfones, polyether ketones, cellophanes, or any combination thereof,
  • the polymer film comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the thickness of the film generally may be from about 35 gauge to about 10 mil. In each of various examples, the thickness of the film may be from about 40 to about 80 gauge, from about 45 to about 50 gauge, about 48 gauge, or any other suitable thickness. Other non-conducting substrate materials such as paper and paper laminates, metal oxides, silicates, cellulosics, or any combination thereof, also may be used.
  • 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.
  • the construct may be formed at least partially from a polymer or polymeric material.
  • all or a portion the construct may be formed from a paper or paperboard material.
  • the paper has a basis weight of from about 15 to about 60 lbs/ream (lb/3000 sq. ft.), for example, from about 20 to about 40 lbs/ream.
  • the paper has a basis weight of about 25 lbs/ream.
  • the paperboard having a basis weight of from about 60 to about 330 lbs/ream, for example, from about 155 to about 265 lbs/ream.
  • the paperboard has a basis weight of about 175 lbs/ream.
  • the paperboard generally may have a thickness of from about 6 to about 30 mils, for example, from about 14 to about 24 mils. In one particular example, the paperboard has a thickness of about 16 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.
  • the construct may be formed according to numerous processes known to those in the art, including using adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical stitching, or any other suitable process. Any of the various components used to form the package may be provided as a sheet of material, a roll of material, or a die cut material in the shape of the package to be formed (e.g., a blank).
  • the microwave energy interactive element may have a grey or silver color that is visually distinguishable from the substrate or the support.
  • Such a package may be more aesthetically pleasing to a consumer, particularly when the consumer is accustomed to packages or containers having certain visual attributes, for example, a solid color, a particular pattern, and so on.
  • the present disclosure contemplates using a silver or grey toned adhesive to join the microwave energy interactive element to the support, using a silver or grey toned support to mask the presence of the silver or grey toned microwave energy interactive element, using a dark toned substrate, for example, a black toned substrate, to conceal the presence of the silver or grey toned microwave energy interactive element, overprinting the metallized side of the polymer film with a silver or grey toned ink to obscure the color variation, printing the non-metallized side of the polymer film 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 energy interactive element, or any other suitable technique or combination of techniques.
  • joinder references e.g., joined, attached, coupled, connected, and the like
  • Joinder references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are connected directly and in fixed relation to each other.
  • a "fold line” can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong.
  • a fold line may be a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or any combination of these features.
  • one type of conventional tear line is in the form of a series of cuts that extend completely through the material, with adjacent cuts being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent cuts for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line.
  • the nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line.
  • Such a tear line that includes nicks can also be referred to as a cut line, since the nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the subject line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from such a cut line.
  • various exemplary blanks and constructs are shown and described herein as having fold lines, tear lines, score lines, cut lines, kiss cut lines, and other lines as extending from a particular feature to another particular feature, for example from one particular panel to another, from one particular edge to another, or any combination thereof.
  • such lines need not necessarily extend between such features in a precise manner. Instead, such lines may generally extend between the various features as needed to achieve the objective of such line. For instance, where a particular tear line is shown as extending from a first edge of a panel to another edge of the panel, the tear line need not extend completely to one or both of such edges. Rather, the tear line need only extend to a location sufficiently proximate to the edge so that the removable strip, panel, or portion can be manually separated from the blank or construct without causing undesirable damage thereto.

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

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un boîtier de chauffage à micro-ondes comprenant une base et une pluralité de parois définissant un espace intérieur. La pluralité de parois comprend une première paroi et un panneau supérieur opposé à la base, le panneau supérieur étant assemblé à la première paroi le long d'une première ligne de rupture. Le panneau supérieur et la première paroi comprennent chacun une partie mobile, la partie mobile du panneau supérieur comprenant un matériau interactif d'énergie à micro-ondes agissant pour convertir au moins une partie de l'énergie à micro-ondes incidente en énergie thermique.
PCT/US2009/057112 2008-09-17 2009-09-16 Dispositif de chauffage à micro-ondes reconfigurable WO2010033561A2 (fr)

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US19231108P 2008-09-17 2008-09-17
US61/192,311 2008-09-17

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ITTO20120219A1 (it) * 2012-03-14 2012-06-13 Smurfit Kappa Italia S P A Contenitore per la cottura di alimenti.
EP2553342A2 (fr) * 2010-03-29 2013-02-06 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Appareil de chauffage à micro-ondes comprenant un berceau supportant les aliments
US20140353307A1 (en) * 2013-06-03 2014-12-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Container with window and microwave interactive material
WO2015109065A1 (fr) 2014-01-16 2015-07-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Brique alimentaire dotée d'élément d'ouverture
WO2017030921A1 (fr) * 2015-08-14 2017-02-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Matériau interactif avec les micro-ondes reconfigurable automatiquement

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JP2002370734A (ja) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-24 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 電子レンジ用カートン
EP1481922A2 (fr) * 2003-05-29 2004-12-01 Micro Chef, Inc. Emballage pour four à micro-ondes
WO2006099426A1 (fr) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Cartons avec parties de distribution

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JP2002370734A (ja) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-24 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd 電子レンジ用カートン
EP1481922A2 (fr) * 2003-05-29 2004-12-01 Micro Chef, Inc. Emballage pour four à micro-ondes
WO2006099426A1 (fr) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Cartons avec parties de distribution

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2553342A2 (fr) * 2010-03-29 2013-02-06 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Appareil de chauffage à micro-ondes comprenant un berceau supportant les aliments
EP2553342A4 (fr) * 2010-03-29 2014-04-30 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Appareil de chauffage à micro-ondes comprenant un berceau supportant les aliments
US9000339B2 (en) 2010-03-29 2015-04-07 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Microwave heating apparatus with food supporting cradle
ITTO20120219A1 (it) * 2012-03-14 2012-06-13 Smurfit Kappa Italia S P A Contenitore per la cottura di alimenti.
US20140353307A1 (en) * 2013-06-03 2014-12-04 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Container with window and microwave interactive material
US10414573B2 (en) * 2013-06-03 2019-09-17 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Container with window and microwave interactive material
WO2015109065A1 (fr) 2014-01-16 2015-07-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Brique alimentaire dotée d'élément d'ouverture
EP3094566A4 (fr) * 2014-01-16 2017-09-27 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Brique alimentaire dotée d'élément d'ouverture
WO2017030921A1 (fr) * 2015-08-14 2017-02-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Matériau interactif avec les micro-ondes reconfigurable automatiquement

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