Patents by Inventor David W. France

David W. France has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11884473
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Conagra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Publication number: 20230405960
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is described that includes unique combinations of low porosity paper, flexible adhesive with broad coverage, and narrowed seal configurations that combine together to address unique issues associated with interaction of the individual features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: David W. France, John Garnett, IV, Jordan Dasher, Ryan O'Hern
  • Publication number: 20230399162
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is described that includes unique combinations of low porosity paper, flexible adhesive with broad coverage, and narrowed seal configurations that combine together to address unique issues associated with interaction of the individual features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: David W. France, John Garnett, IV, Jordan Dasher, Ryan O'Hern
  • Publication number: 20230398760
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is described that includes unique combinations of low porosity paper, flexible adhesive with broad coverage, and narrowed seal configurations that combine together to address unique issues associated with interaction of the individual features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: David W. France, John Garnett, IV, Jordan Dasher, Ryan O'Hern
  • Publication number: 20230159258
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, JR., Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Patent number: 11634262
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Publication number: 20210387788
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Charles T. Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Publication number: 20210086976
    Abstract: A wick resistant microwavable popcorn arrangement formed substantially entirely of non-fluorocarbon material includes a folded bag defining a bag interior. The folded bag includes first and second opposite face panels joined by first and second opposite side gussets defined by gusset folds. The bag is folded to define a portion of the interior with side creases defined at junctures between the first face panel and the first and second opposite side gussets. One or more non-activated sealant fields are arranged to overlap at least one of the side creases or the gusset folds, and are configured to provide a liquid-resistant barrier. The one or more non-activated sealant fields are configured to retain the unpopped popcorn kernels, an oil component, and/or a fat component positioned within the bag interior between the first and second side gussets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventor: David W. France
  • Patent number: 10906722
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Conagra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Patent number: 10829292
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Conagra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Patent number: 10569949
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Conagra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Jr., Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Publication number: 20190283952
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Publication number: 20180127191
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Charles T. Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Patent number: 9868581
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Conagra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Publication number: 20170121096
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Publication number: 20170121095
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, Keith Goerl, Michael R. Opat, Julia A. Zielke, Steven R. Baker, David W. France
  • Patent number: 9505542
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof may include a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steam flow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. France, Steven R. Baker
  • Patent number: 9079704
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul John Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John Dougherty Culter
  • Publication number: 20150166242
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul J. Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John D. Culter
  • Patent number: 8850964
    Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof includes a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steamflow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Pawlick, David W. France, Steven R. Baker