Abstract: Containers are disclosed, as well as multilayer films used in such containers, which advantageously maintain a high seal strength even after being subjected to hot-fill conditions for sterilization. These microwavable/ovenable containers (10) and multilayer films are also beneficially self-venting upon exposure to microwave heating when the internal container pressure exceeds a threshold value. These self-venting containers are also automatically self-sealing after the self-venting feature has ruptured and the container has cooled to room temperature. The self-venting self-sealing nature of these containers arises from particular film and sealing characteristics, in which the seal width differs in defined, self-venting self-sealing seal regions (13A), relative to non-venting seal regions (13B) of a given peripheral seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns flexible reclosable containers with a one way valve which provides a means to vent fluids, particularly air, from the interior of container when the repeatedly reclosable closure member, typically a zipper, is in a closed state. It also concerns a process for creating such a valve using a seal bar with voids to create a channel which passes behind the closure member. The valve which is disclosed involves a channel which comprises a central passageway which connects a port which communicates with the environment to a port which communicates with the interior of the package. Also disclosed is the concept of using this valve with a readily removable hermetic seal such that the port intended to communicate the environment initially communicates with the headspace between the reclosable closure member and the hermetic seal but does communicate with the environment when the hermetic seal is removed.

Abstract: Containers are disclosed, as well as multilayer films used in such containers, which advantageously maintain a high seal strength even after being subjected to retort conditions for sterilization. These retortable containers and multilayer films are also beneficially self-venting upon exposure to microwave heating, when the internal container pressure exceeds a threshold value. The self-venting nature of these containers arises from particular sealing characteristics, in which the seal width differs in defined, self-venting seal regions, relative to non-venting seal regions of a given peripheral seal. Particular structural features and geometries of the self-venting seal regions can be used to improve the location of venting and control of the vented gases.