WO2018009446A1 - Emballage alimentaire et ensemble produit alimentaire conditionné - Google Patents

Emballage alimentaire et ensemble produit alimentaire conditionné Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018009446A1
WO2018009446A1 PCT/US2017/040312 US2017040312W WO2018009446A1 WO 2018009446 A1 WO2018009446 A1 WO 2018009446A1 US 2017040312 W US2017040312 W US 2017040312W WO 2018009446 A1 WO2018009446 A1 WO 2018009446A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
food
packaging system
walls
food ingredient
interior space
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/040312
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Masaaki Mihara
Original Assignee
Invention Development Management Company
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 Invention Development Management Company filed Critical Invention Development Management Company
Publication of WO2018009446A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018009446A1/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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/02—Selection of specific materials, e.g. heavy bottoms with copper inlay or with insulating inlay
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/6408—Supports or covers specially adapted for use in microwave heating apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
    • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
    • H05B6/647—Aspects related to microwave heating combined with other heating techniques
    • H05B6/6491—Aspects related to microwave heating combined with other heating techniques combined with the use of susceptors
    • H05B6/6494—Aspects related to microwave heating combined with other heating techniques combined with the use of susceptors for cooking
    • 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
    • B65D2581/3422—Cooking rice dishes
    • 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

Definitions

  • Premade meals may offer consumers convenience in various circumstances. For example, premade meals may be consumed without access to cooking tools or kitchen appliances (e.g., premade meals may be consumed on-the-go). Moreover, premade meals may be ready for consumption with little time or preparation effort.
  • An example system includes a food packaging system for heating and browning food in a microwave.
  • the food packaging system includes a plurality of walls coupled together and at least partially defining an interior space of the food packaging system. At least one wall of the plurality of walls defines at least one aperture that extends between the interior space and an exterior of the at least one wall. The at least one aperture is configured to receive a separator element extending from the interior space to the exterior.
  • one or more susceptor elements are at least partially surrounded by the plurality of walls and positioned inside the interior space of the food packaging system.
  • the packaged edible fare includes one or more susceptor elements and a container including one or more walls defining an interior space.
  • the one or more susceptor elements are at least partially surrounded by the one or more walls and positioned inside the interior space.
  • the packaged edible fare also includes a food product assembly that is at least partially surrounded by the one or more walls and positioned inside the container within the interior space.
  • the food product assembly includes a first food ingredient having a first water content ratio, and a second food ingredient positioned adjacent to the first food ingredient and having a second water content ratio that is greater than the first water content ratio.
  • the food product assembly further includes an inedible separator removably positioned between the first food ingredient and the second food ingredient.
  • Examples also include a method of packaging and preparing an edible fare.
  • the method includes positioning a first food ingredient inside an interior space of a container including one or more susceptor elements.
  • the interior space of the container is defined by one or more walls thereof.
  • the method also includes positioning a second food ingredient inside the interior space of the container, and removably positioning an inedible separator between the first food ingredient and the second food ingredient.
  • the method includes applying microwave energy to one or more of the first food ingredient, the second food ingredient, or the one or more susceptor elements such that at least the one or more susceptor elements receive the microwave energy effective to heat the first food ingredient.
  • Examples also include another method of packaging and preparing an edible fare.
  • the method includes positioning a baked mixture including corn grits and rice powder inside an interior space of a container including one or more susceptor elements.
  • the interior space of the container is defined by one or more walls thereof.
  • the method further includes positioning mashed potatoes inside the interior space of the container and adjacent to the baked mixture including com grits and rice powder, and removably positioning an inedible separator between the baked mixture including corn grits and rice powder and the mashed potatoes.
  • the method includes applying microwave energy to one or more of the baked mixture including corn grits and rice powder, the mashed potatoes, or the one or more susceptor elements such that at least the one or more susceptor elements receive the microwave energy effective to heat baked mixture including corn grits and rice powder.
  • FIG. 1 A is a partial side elevational view of a food product assembly, according to an example
  • FIG. IB is a partial side elevational view of a food product assembly, according to another example.
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a food packaging system, according to an example
  • FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a food packaging system in an open configuration, according to another example
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the food packaging system of FIG. 3A in the open configuration with a food product assembly positioned therein;
  • FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the food packaging system of FIG. 3B in a closed configuration with a food product assembly positioned therein;
  • FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a food packaging system in an open configuration with a food product assembly positioned therein, according to another example
  • FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the food packaging system of FIG. 4A in a closed configuration with a partially detached cover, according to an example.
  • FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the food packaging system of FIG. 4A in the closed configuration with an attached cover according to an example
  • a food packaging system may be microwaveable and may include one or more susceptor elements that may receive microwave energy in a manner that raises a temperature thereof.
  • the packaging system is arranged such that microwave radiation heats the susceptor elements, and the heat from the susceptor elements may be transferred to a food product assembly inside the packaging.
  • the heat from the susceptor elements may be thermally conductively transferred to one or more food ingredients of the food product assembly (e.g., one or more food ingredients may be heated by the susceptor elements in a manner that browns the ingredient(s), similar to a toaster, grill, etc.).
  • the packaged food product assembly may vary from one example to the next.
  • the food product assembly may include at least two food ingredients.
  • two or more adjacent food ingredients may have different water content ratios.
  • a first food ingredient may have a higher water content ratio that a second food ingredient positioned near or adjacent to the first food ingredient, or vice versa (e.g., the first food ingredient may include a baked mixture including corn grits and the second food ingredient may include rice powder and mashed potatoes).
  • the adjacent food ingredients may be separated by one or more separators (e.g., inedible separators); where the material of the separator is selected to act as a moisture barrier.
  • the separators may vary from one example to another.
  • the food product assembly may include adjacent food ingredients with different water content ratios and a water-resistant separator positioned between the food ingredients.
  • the water-resistant separator can prevent or minimize transfer of water or moisture from one food ingredient to another (e.g., the separator may prevent or minimize a drier food ingredient from becoming moist or soggy due to contact with a moister food ingredient).
  • suitable materials such as plastic materials (e.g., thermoplastic, thermoset, etc.), such as plastic sheeting, plastic film (e.g., polyethylene film, nylon film, etc.), wax paper, aluminum foil, etc.
  • FIG. 1A is a partial side elevational view of a food product assembly 100, according to an example.
  • the food product assembly 100 may include a first food ingredient 110 and a second food ingredient 120 positioned adjacent to each other and/or stacked one over the other.
  • the first food ingredient 110 and second food ingredient 120 may vary from one example or implementation to another.
  • the first food ingredient 1 10 and'Or second food ingredient 120 may include or be formed from one or more of generally rigid edible ingredients (e.g., toast, crackers, salt, black pepper, etc.), generally soft or malleable edible ingredients (e.g., cheese, sliced meet, etc.), generally paste-like ingredients or food paste (e.g., cream cheese, jam, catchup, mayonnaise, etc.), or generally liquid edible ingredients such as sauces (e.g., soy sauce, tabasco, etc.), other edible ingredients, such as condiments (e.g., chopped garlic, chopped onion, etc.).
  • generally rigid edible ingredients e.g., toast, crackers, salt, black pepper, etc.
  • generally soft or malleable edible ingredients e.g., cheese, sliced meet, etc.
  • generally paste-like ingredients or food paste e.g., cream cheese, jam, catchup, mayonnaise, etc.
  • sauces e.g., soy sauce, tabasco, etc.
  • condiments e.g.
  • the first food ingredient 1 10 and second food ingredient 120 may have different water content ratios.
  • the first food ingredient 110 may have a lower water content ratio than the second food ingredient 120 (e.g., the second food ingredient 120 may be generally more moist than the first food ingredient 110) or vice versa.
  • the first food ingredient 1 10 may have an upper face generally facing toward a lower face of the second food ingredient 120.
  • the first food ingredient 1 10 and second food ingredient 120 may have different water content ratios at and/or near the respective upper and lower faces thereof.
  • the terms "upper” and “lower” are used for ease of description (in reference to FIG. 1A) and that the food product assembly 100 may have any number of suitable orientations, such that the described upper and lower faces may be positioned at any suitable orientation or arrangement relative to any plane in a three-dimensional space.
  • the first food ingredient 1 10 may include a baked or toasted edible ingredient, such as a baked mixture including corn grits and rice powder and the second food ingredient 120 may include one or more cooked, boiled, or otherwise processed edible ingredients, such as mashed potatoes. Processing of the edible ingredient(s) included in the first food ingredient 1 10 and/or second food ingredient 120 may affect the water content ratios thereof.
  • preparing or cooking the edible ingredients by conductively transferring heat thereto e.g., grilling, toasting, etc.
  • a non-water-containing medium such as heating with air (e.g., baking, broiling, etc.)
  • a baked mixture that may be included in the first food ingredient 110 may have a lower water content ratio (e.g., after baking) than one or more boiled ingredients (e.g., mashed potatoes) that may be included in the second food ingredient 120.
  • the food product assembly 100 may include a separator 130 positioned between the first food ingredient 110 and the second food ingredient 120.
  • the separator 130 may include or comprise any number of suitable materials.
  • the separator 130 may include one or more inedible materials.
  • the inedible materials of the separator 130 may be one or more of water-resistant, waterproof, moisture-resistant, steam-resistant, oil-resistant, or fluid-resistant.
  • the water-resistant or waterproof separator 130 may block or at least partially inhibit or prevent moisture- transfer (e.g., vapor transfer and/or liquid- transfer) from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 110 or vice versa.
  • the second food ingredient 120 may have a higher water content ratio than the first food ingredient 1 10.
  • the separator 130 may be positioned between the first food ingredient 110 and the second food ingredient 120 such as to block or inhibit transfer of moisture or water from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 1 10.
  • the separator 130 may be in direct contact with the upper face of the first food ingredient 110 and with the lower face of the second food ingredient 120 (e.g., the separator 130 may be sandwiched between the first food ingredient 110 and second food ingredient 120).
  • the separator 130 may include a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic, thermoset, etc.), such as plastic sheeting, plastic film (e.g., polyethylene film, nylon film, etc.), etc. Additionally or alternatively, the separator 130 may include wax paper or paperboard, resin-coated paperboard, etc. that may resist or at least partially block transfer of water and/or moisture from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 110. Hence, for example, the separator 130 may prevent or limit the first food ingredient 1 10 from becoming soggy or having increased moisture or water content due to the water or moisture transferred thereto from the second food ingredient 120. Generally, the separator 130 may have any suitable thickness.
  • a plastic material e.g., thermoplastic, thermoset, etc.
  • plastic film e.g., polyethylene film, nylon film, etc.
  • the separator 130 may include wax paper or paperboard, resin-coated paperboard, etc. that may resist or at least partially block transfer of water and/or moisture from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 110
  • the wax paper separator can have a thickness that is in or more of the following ranges: from about 10 ⁇ to about 50 ⁇ ; from about 30 ⁇ to about 80 ⁇ ; from about 70 ⁇ to about 150 urn; from about 100 ⁇ to about 300 ⁇ .
  • the thickness of the separator 130 may be less tha 10 ⁇ or greater than 300 ⁇ .
  • one or more surfaces of the separator 130 may include one or more hydrophobic and or oleophobic materials or coatings that are compatible with edible ingredients and/or non-reactive therewith, and which may at least partially repel water, oil, and any other suitable component or ingredient (e.g., one or more components in liquid phase) of the first food ingredient 1 10 or second food ingredient 120 from the respective surfaces of the separator 130.
  • suitable materials and/or coatings may include Teflon, silicone, paraffin wax, other waxes, etc.
  • separator 130 may prevent or limit transfer of the repelled components or ingredients from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 1 10 and vice versa.
  • the second food ingredient 120 may include one or more fried edible ingredients that may have a higher oil content ratio than the oil content ratio of the first food ingredient 110.
  • the separator 130 may block or limit transfer of the oil from the second food ingredient 120 to the first food ingredient 1 10.
  • the separator 130 may be configured to limit or block fluid flow or transfer from the second food ingredient 120 and first food ingredient 1 10 (and vice versa), thereby maintaining substantially the same fluid content of each of the first food ingredient 1 10 and second food ingredient 120 (e.g., as the fluid content was in the originally-packaged first food ingredient 1 10 and/or second food ingredient 120, respectively).
  • the food product assembly 100 may include any number of suitable food ingredients and/or edible ingredients that may comprise the food ingredients. Moreover, the food ingredients may be combined together in any number of suitable arrangements and/or configurations.
  • FIG. IB is a partial side elevational view of a food product assembly 100a, according to an example. Except as otherwise described herein, the food product assembly 100a and its elements and components may be similar to or the same as the food product assembly 100 (FIG. lA) and its corresponding elements and components.
  • the food product assembly 100a may include a first food ingredient 1 10a and second food ingredient 120a separated by a separator 130a.
  • the food product assembly 100a may include a third food ingredient 140a positioned adjacent to the second food ingredient 120a.
  • the third food ingredient 140a may include any number of suitable edible ingredients.
  • one, some, or each of the edible ingredients comprising the third food ingredient 140a may be similar to or the same as one, some, or each of the edible ingredients comprising the first food ingredient 1 10a and/or the second food ingredient 120a.
  • the third food ingredient 140a may be similar to or the same as the first food ingredient 110a.
  • the third food ingredient 140a may have the same or similar water content ratio as the first food ingredient 110a.
  • the water content ratio of the third food ingredient 140a may be lower than the water content ratio of the second food ingredient 120a.
  • the food product assembly 100a may include a second separator 130a' that may be positioned between and may separate the third food ingredient 140a from the second food ingredient 120a.
  • the separator i 30a " may be similar to or the same as the separator 130a.
  • the separator 130a' may be in direct contact with the second food ingredient 120a and with the third food ingredient 140a (e.g., with respective upper and lower faces thereof).
  • the separator 130a' may include water-resistant materials, waterproof materials, fluid-resistant materials, etc., that may block or impede transfer of water, oil, fluids, etc., that the second food ingredient 120a may contain in higher proportions than the third food ingredient 140a.
  • the food product assembly 100a may include food ingredients (comprising or including edible ingredients) that have been previously processed (e.g., cooked via baking, broiling, boiling, grilling, smoking or dehydrating, etc.). Moreover, in an example, the food product assembly 100a may be heated before consumption (e.g., to improve the consumer experience as compared with consuming cold meals). For example, any of the food assemblies described herein may be heated or warmed by subjecting the food product assembly to microwave radiation (e.g., in a microwave oven), such as to cook the food ingredients thereof and/or to enhance the flavor of the food ingredients.
  • microwave radiation e.g., in a microwave oven
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a food packaging system 200 that may be configured to conductively heat one or more portions of a food product assembly positioned thereon (e.g., when the food packaging system 200 together with the food product assembly are exposed to microwave radiation), according to one or more examples.
  • the food packaging system 200 may include one or more susceptor elements, such as susceptor elements 210, shown in FIG. 2, which may be arranged to conductively heat a food product assembly.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may include any number of suitable materials and/or may have any number of suitable shapes and sizes that may vary from one example to another.
  • the susceptor elements 210 have a generally elongated or strip-like shape (e.g., a substantially straight strip). Moreover, the susceptor elements 210 may have generally square or rectangular shapes. It should be appreciated, however, that the shapes of the susceptor elements may vary from one embodiment to the next. For example, one, some, or each of the susceptor elements may be substantially elliptical, circular, irregular- shaped, etc. Moreover, the susceptor elements 210 may form or define any number of suitable patterns, such as weave patterns, hatch or cross-hatch patterns, etc.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may have a length 211 that may maximize heating or an increase in temperature thereof responsive to exposure to microwave radiation.
  • the one or more susceptor elements 210 may exhibit a generally elongated shape having the length 21 1 that is about one half of a wavelength of microwave radiation.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may be exposed to microwave radiation that has a wavelength of about 12 cm.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may have the length 21 1 of about 6 cm.
  • the length 21 1 of the susceptor elements 210 may be in one or more of the following ranges: from about 1 cm to about 4 cm; from about 3 cm to about 9 cm; from about 6 cm to about 11 cm; from about 8 cm to about 20 cm. It should be appreciated, however, that the length 21 1 of any of the susceptor elements 210 may be less than 1 cm or greater than 20 cm.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may include or comprise any number of materials suitable for receiving microwave radiation and suitably increasing in temperature responsive thereto (e.g., increasing in temperature in a maimer that would heat one or more portions of the food product assembly).
  • the susceptor elements 210 may include one or more electrically or thermally conductive materials.
  • Suitable materials for the susceptor elements 210 include aluminum-containing materials (e.g., aluminum alloy sheets), metaiized film (e.g., aluminized film), copper, steel (e.g., stainless steel), suitable ceramics (e.g., silicon carbide), etc.
  • the susceptor elements 2 10 may be coupled to a wall 220 of the food packaging system 200.
  • the food packaging system 200 may include multiple walls.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may be coupled to more than one of the walls of the food packaging system 200.
  • one or more food product assemblies may be positioned over and'Or in contact with the susceptor elements 210, such that the susceptor elements 210 may heat the food ingredients of the food product assemblies (e.g., convectively heat the food ingredients when the susceptor elements 210 are exposed to microwave radiation) and/or may brown one or more portions thereof.
  • the susceptor elements may be positioned to provide a "grill-mark" type of effect on portions of the food product when heated via microwave energy.
  • the susceptor elements 210 may be attached to the wall 220 with any number of suitable attachments.
  • a film e.g., a polyethylene film, a polyethylene terephthalate film, etc.
  • the film may attach one, some, or each of the susceptor elements 210 to the wall 220 (e.g., the film may be heat-laminated or adhesively attached to the wall 220 and may at least partially cover the susceptor elements 210, thereby securing the susceptor elements 210 to the wall 220).
  • the susceptor elements 210 may be mechanically secured to the wall 220.
  • the wall 220 may include one or more perforations therein and one or more corresponding portions of one, some, or each of the susceptor elements 210 can be extended through such perforations and folded to form and lip or undercut, thereby securing the respective susceptor element 210 to the wall 220.
  • the food packaging system 200 and elements and or components thereof may include any number of materials suitable for heating, storing, or otherwise contacting food ingredients that may be positioned and/or stored in the food packaging system 200.
  • the wail 220 may include or be formed from food-safe paperboard.
  • the food packaging system 200 may include one or more recyclable materials, which may facilitate an easy and suitable disposal thereof (e.g., after a single use by a consumer).
  • the container of a food packaging system may be any of a number of suitable shapes and/or sizes, which shapes or sizes may be defined by the configuration of one or more walls thereof (e.g., the walls of the food packaging system may be configured to at least partially enclose the food product assembly in an interior space of the food packaging system).
  • FIGS. 3A-3C are illustrations of a food packaging system 200a according to one or more examples.
  • FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the food packaging system 200a in an open configuration
  • FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the food packaging system 200a in the open configuration with a food product assembly 100b positioned therein
  • FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the food packaging system 200a in a closed configuration.
  • the food packaging system 200a and its elements and components may be similar to or the same as the food packaging system 200 (FIG. 2) and its corresponding elements and components.
  • the food packaging system 200a may include susceptor elements 210a positioned on and/or coupled to a wall 220a.
  • the food product assembly 100b may be similar- to or the same as any food product assembly described herein.
  • the food packaging system 200a includes multiple walls 220a-229a that collectively form or define the shape of the food packaging system 200a and of an interior space thereof.
  • the walls 220a-229a may be configured and arranged such as to define a generally rectangular prismoid shape of the interior space, when the food packaging system 200a is in the closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 3C).
  • the walls 220a-229a may include walls 220a and 225a (e.g., the walls 220a and 225a may have greater surface area than other walls of the walls 220a- 229a). For example, at least in the closed configuration (shown in FIG.
  • the two walls 220a, 225a may be substantially planar and generally oppose each other. Moreover, at least one of the two walls 220a, 225a may be configured to support and orient the food packaging system on a support surface (e.g., the wall 220a may form or define a base of the food packaging system 200a).
  • the food product assembly 100b may be positioned inside the food packaging system 200a (e.g., in the interior space thereof) and surrounded by one or more of the walls 220a-229a of the food packaging system 200. Moreover, the food product assembly 100b may include one or more removable separators that may separate two or more food ingredients thereof.
  • the food packaging system 200a may be configured such as to allow removal of the separators from the food product assembly 100b while the food product assembly 100b remains inside the food packaging system 200a (e.g., the separators may be removed while the food packaging system 200a is at least partially or substantially closed).
  • the food packaging system 200a may include one or more openings or apertures, such as apertures 230a, 230a', that may facilitate positioning the separator ⁇ s) at least partially outside or at the exterior of the food packaging system 200a.
  • one or more of the apertures 230a, 230a' may be slot-shaped (e.g., may have a generally rectangular shape).
  • the food packaging system 200a includes overlapping or double walls (e.g., the walls 224a and 226a may be positioned adjacent to each other when the food packaging system 200a is in the closed configuration).
  • the apertures 230a, 230a' may be sized and positioned such that when the food packaging system 200a is in the closed configuration, the apertures 230a, 230a' may be configured to generally align in a manner that forms an opening that may accept the separator passing therethrough (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3C).
  • separators 130b/130b' of the food product assembly 100b may be configured to extend from the interior space of the food packaging system 200a, through the apertures(s) in the food packaging system 200a, and to the exterior of the food packaging system 200a.
  • a consumer may pull the separators 130b/130b' outward and out of the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b (e.g., before heating the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b).
  • the food packaging system 200a together with the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b may be positioned in a microwave oven and exposed to microwave radiation.
  • exposing the susceptor elements 210a to microwave radiation may heat the susceptor elements 210a; the heat from the susceptor elements 210a may be transferred to the food ingredient of the food product assembly 100b that is in contact with the susceptor elements 210a (e.g., conductively transferred), thereby browning one or more portions of the food ingredient(s) in contact therewith.
  • microwave radiation e.g., 12 cm wavelength radiation
  • the food product assembly 100b may remain in the food packaging system 200a (e.g., in a closed food packaging system 200a), as the separators 130b 130b' are removed from the food product assembly 100b. That is, for example, the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b may be heated and/or prepared for consumption without removal thereof from the food packaging system 200a. For example, after exposure to microwave radiation, the heated food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b may be firmer than before the exposure, such that the food product assembly 100b is easier to remove from the food packaging system 200a (e.g., without damaging or breaking the food product assembly 100b).
  • removing the separators 130b/ 130b' from the food product assembly 100b, while the food product assembly 100b remains in the food packaging system 200a may facilitate preparing a meal that comprises the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b without breaking or damaging the structural integrity of the food ingredients.
  • the separators 130b/130b' may facilitate maintaining crispness of one or more food ingredients in the food product assembly 100b (e.g., by preventing or limiting the amount of liquid transferred from one food ingredient to another).
  • one or more food ingredients may be crisp or have a relatively low water content ratio (e.g., similar to a toasted bread , waffle, cracker, etc.) , and one or more food ingredients may be relatively moist (e.g., cheese, ham, je , etc.).
  • the food packaging system 200a may include a closure element that may be configured to move in a manner that provides access to the interior of the food packaging system 200a.
  • walls 225a-229a may define the closure element of the food packaging system 200a, which may be configured to move (e.g., pivot) relative to the walls 220a-224a in a manner that reconfigures the food packaging system 200a, between open and closed positions, such that the food product assembly 100b may be removed therefrom.
  • the food packaging system 200a may include one or more portions configured to open in a manner that provides access to the contents in the interior space of the food packaging system 200a (e.g., access to the food product assembly 100b).
  • the food packaging system 200a may be opened, and the food product assembly 100b may be removed therefrom to remove the separators 13 Ob/130b' from the food product assembly 100b.
  • the food product assembly 100b may be placed inside the food packaging system 200a.
  • the food packaging system 200a together with the food product assembly 100b may be exposed to microwave radiation to prepare the food product assembly 100b for consumption.
  • the separators may include or comprise a microwave-safe material (e.g., plastic material of suitable thickness).
  • the separators 130b/130b' may be maintained inside the food product assembly 100b (e.g., between two or more food ingredients) as the food packaging system 200a together with the food product assembly 100b are exposed to microwave radiation. After exposing the food packaging system 200a and the food product assembly 100b to the microwave radiation, the separators 130b/130b' may be removed from the food product assembly 100b (e.g., the food product assembly 100b may be removed from the food packaging system 200a and the separators 130b/130b' may be removed from the food product assembly 100b before consumption).
  • the food packaging system 200a may include a cover that may be configured to secure one or more the portions of the separators 130b/ 130b', which may be positioned on the exterior of the food packaging system 200a. Additionally or alternatively, the cover may close the opening through which the separators 130b/130b' extend from the interior space of the food packaging system 200a to the exterior thereof. For example, the cover may suitable close or seal the opening (e.g., hermetically), such as to prevent or inhibit spoilage of the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100b.
  • the cover may be detachable or detachably attached or secured to one or more of the walls of the food packaging system 200a (e.g., to the wall 226a).
  • the cover may be attached with a suitable adhesive in a manner that may facilitate detaching the cover to access and remove the separators 130b/130b' from the food product assembly 100b.
  • the cover may at least partially secure the separators 130b/130b'.
  • the separators 130b/130b' maybe secured between the cover and one or more of the walls of the food packaging system 200a.
  • an adhesive may secure the cover to one or more walls of the food packaging system 200a (e.g., the cover may be heat-sealed or adhesively secured to one or more walls).
  • Suitable adhesives include terpene-based adhesion materials, chlorination polyolefin, urethane, poly epoxy, etc.
  • FIGS. 4A- 4C illustrate a food packaging system 200b that secures the food product assembly 100c, according to one or more examples.
  • FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the food packaging system 200b in an open configuration (the food product assembly 100c is partially visible therein);
  • FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the food packaging system 200b in a closed configuration, such that the food product assembly 100c may be concealed by the walls of the food packaging system 200b;
  • FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the food packaging system 200b in an open configuration (the food product assembly 100c is partially visible therein);
  • FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the food packaging system 200b in a closed configuration, such that the food product assembly 100c may be concealed by the walls of the food packaging system 200b;
  • 4C is an isometric view of the food packaging system 200b in the closed configuration with a closed cover, closing ⁇ e.g., sealing) the aperture in the food packaging system 200b. Except as otherwise described herein, the food packaging system 200b and its elements and components may be similar to or the same as any of the food packaging systems 200, 200a (FIGS. 2-3C) and their corresponding elements and components.
  • the food packaging system 200b may have a generally rectangular shape.
  • the interior space of the food packaging system 200b may be defined by walls 220b-229b (only edges of the walls 223b and 224b are visible in FIG. 4A).
  • the walls 220b-229b may define a generally rectangular prismoidal shape of the interior space of the food packaging system 200b (e.g., suitable to accommodate the food product assembly 100c therein).
  • the food packaging system 200b may include one or more susceptor elements (not visible in FIG. 4A) that may be opcrably coupled and or secured to one or more walls of the food packaging system 200b (e.g., to the wall 220b and ⁇ 'or to the wall 222b).
  • the food packaging system 200b includes a closure element defined by walls 225b-229b that may move or pivot relative to the wails 220b- 224b.
  • movement or pivoting of the closure element e.g., about a crease or pivot axis 240b
  • the closure element may reconfigure the food packaging system 200b between open and closed configurations.
  • the food product assembly 100c may be accessed and/or removed from the interior of the food packaging system 200b.
  • the food packaging system 200b and the closure thereof may have any number of suitable shapes and/or sizes.
  • any number of walls may define the closure element (e.g., a single wall or multiple walls may define the closure element).
  • the food product assembly 100c may be similar to or the same as any food product assembly described herein.
  • the food product assembly 100c may include a first food ingredient 110c, a second food ingredient 120c, and a third food ingredient 140c.
  • the separator 130c may separate the first food ingredient 110c from the second food ingredient 120c, and separator 130c' may separate the second food ingredient 120c from the third food ingredient 140c.
  • first and second food ingredients 110c, 120c may have different water content ratios (e.g., different amounts of moisture) and/or the second and third food ingredients 120c, 140c may have different water content ratios, and the respective separators 130c, 130c' may prevent or limit water or moisture increase in the food ingredients that have lower water content ratios.
  • respective portions of the separators 130c, 130c' may extend from the interior space of the food packaging system 200b to the exterior thereof.
  • the food packaging system 200b may include an aperture 230b, and the separators 130c, 130c' may extend from the interior of the food packaging system 200b, through the 230b, and to the exterior of the food packaging system 200b.
  • the separators 130c, 130c' may extend through the aperture 230b, such that the separators 130c, 130c' may be grasped and removed from the food product assembly 100b, such as prior to heating the food ingredients.
  • the separators 130c, 130c' may be removed before the food product assembly 100c is exposed to microwave radiation.
  • the first and second food ingredients 1 10c, 120c may be placed into contact with each other and/or the second and third food ingredients 120c, 140c may be placed into contact with each other before the food product assembly 100b is exposed to the microwave radiation.
  • one or more (e.g., both) of the separators 130c, 130c' may be removed after the exposing the food product assembly 100b to microwave radiation.
  • first and second food ingredients 1 10c, 120c may be placed into contact with each other and/or the second and third food ingredients I20c, 140c may be placed into contact with each other after the food product assembly 100b is exposed to the microwave radiation and/or prepared for consumption.
  • the aperture 230b may be located on and/or defined by any wall of the food packaging system 200b.
  • the aperture 230b extends through the wall 228b that defines or forms the closure element of the food packaging system 200b.
  • the wall 228b together with the aperture 230b thereof may pivot relative to other walls of the food packaging system 200b, as the food packaging system 200b is reconfigured between the open and closed configurations.
  • the food packaging system 200b may include an at least partially detachable cover, such as cover 250b.
  • cover 250b when the cover 250b is at least partially detached from the corresponding wall(s), such as from the wall 228b, the separators separator 1 0c. separator 130c' may be exposed and/or accessible for removal from the food product assembly 100c.
  • the cover 250b when the cover 250b is attached to the corresponding wall(s), such as to the wall 228b, the aperture 230b may be at least partially or completely concealed or covered by the cover 250b.
  • the cover 250b may secure one or more corresponding portions of the separators 130c, 130c' to the food packaging system 200b ⁇ e.g., to the wall 228b).
  • the cover 250b may be at least partially detached ⁇ e.g., as shown in FIG. 4B), to access the separators 130c, 130c' and/or to detach the separators 130c, 130c' from the food packaging system 200b.
  • a consumer may remove the separators 130c, 130c' from the food product assembly 100c.
  • the food packaging system 200b together with the food ingredients of the food product assembly 100c may be exposed to microwave radiation in a manner that heats and/or prepares the food ingredients for consumptions, as described herein.
  • a range includes each individual member.
  • a group having 1-3 items refers to groups having I, 2, or 3 items.
  • a group having 1-5 items refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 items, and so forth.
  • any two components so associated may also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
  • operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interac table components.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'emballage alimentaire et un ensemble produit alimentaire conditionné dans celui-ci. Le système d'emballage alimentaire et les ingrédients alimentaires de l'ensemble produit alimentaire peuvent être exposés au rayonnement micro-onde pour préparer les ingrédients alimentaires.
PCT/US2017/040312 2016-07-07 2017-06-30 Emballage alimentaire et ensemble produit alimentaire conditionné WO2018009446A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662359309P 2016-07-07 2016-07-07
US62/359,309 2016-07-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018009446A1 true WO2018009446A1 (fr) 2018-01-11

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4757940A (en) * 1986-05-07 1988-07-19 International Paper Company Ovenable paperboard food tray
US6476368B2 (en) * 2000-03-10 2002-11-05 Nestec S.A. Susceptor for heating a garnished flat dough in microwave oven
US6602528B1 (en) * 1997-11-19 2003-08-05 Peter Wells Food packaging device for multilayer food items in separate layers
US6906299B2 (en) * 1999-03-12 2005-06-14 Jeffrey T. Watkins Cooperating paperboard blanks for forming a microwave heating food container
US20100038359A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Vicki Laubhan Microwave Heating construct with elevatable bottom
US20100282743A1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2010-11-11 Blase Steven A Package for Containing and Dispensing a Food Item
US8158913B2 (en) * 2006-04-27 2012-04-17 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Multidirectional fuse susceptor
WO2013063374A1 (fr) * 2011-10-28 2013-05-02 Showers Robert James Système d'emballage en carton ondulé super-isolant pour aliments, boissons et denrées périssables
US20140110302A1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2014-04-24 Torus Pak Research And Development S.A.R.L. Food package with supplementary food container
WO2015112328A1 (fr) * 2014-01-27 2015-07-30 Applied Materials, Inc. Concepts de système et chambre d'epi rapide

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4757940A (en) * 1986-05-07 1988-07-19 International Paper Company Ovenable paperboard food tray
US6602528B1 (en) * 1997-11-19 2003-08-05 Peter Wells Food packaging device for multilayer food items in separate layers
US6906299B2 (en) * 1999-03-12 2005-06-14 Jeffrey T. Watkins Cooperating paperboard blanks for forming a microwave heating food container
US6476368B2 (en) * 2000-03-10 2002-11-05 Nestec S.A. Susceptor for heating a garnished flat dough in microwave oven
US8158913B2 (en) * 2006-04-27 2012-04-17 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Multidirectional fuse susceptor
US20100282743A1 (en) * 2007-06-21 2010-11-11 Blase Steven A Package for Containing and Dispensing a Food Item
US20100038359A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Vicki Laubhan Microwave Heating construct with elevatable bottom
US20140110302A1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2014-04-24 Torus Pak Research And Development S.A.R.L. Food package with supplementary food container
WO2013063374A1 (fr) * 2011-10-28 2013-05-02 Showers Robert James Système d'emballage en carton ondulé super-isolant pour aliments, boissons et denrées périssables
WO2015112328A1 (fr) * 2014-01-27 2015-07-30 Applied Materials, Inc. Concepts de système et chambre d'epi rapide

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