Abstract: A container that is filled with a product through an open end and which is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven to hold the product while it is heated. The container is formed of a paperboard blank coated with polyethylene (microwavable) or polyester (microwavable and ovenable), and is folded, filled and thermally sealed on a slightly modified, but generally conventional machine that is otherwise used to assemble and fill prior art end filled containers. The blank includes a first panel having two end walls, front and rear sidewalls, and four gusset corners, and a second panel connected to the rear sidewall along a fold line having two end flaps, and a front flap. A tear-open access flap is defined on the second panel by partially die cut lines. In a first embodiment, the first panel is imprinted with graphics and the second panel with cooking instructions.

Abstract: A container for storing a product and for holding it while it is heated in a microwave or a conventional oven. The container includes a tray-like box portion that is adherently sealed and secured inside a leakproof cover. A panel of the tray-like box has a tear-open access flap which may be tightly reclosed after being torn open and which is held in place by an interference fit between two spaced apart shoulders defined along a fold line where the access flap is joined to a reclosure tab. The panel of the tray-like box is imprinted with the instructions for heating the product enclosed within the container, while the cover is imprinted with graphics. The container is turned over during the heating process, so the instructions are visible to the consumer. Tight reclosure of the access flap tends to retain steam inside the container during the heating process thereby reducing the cooking time and retaining moisture in the product.