Abstract: A microwave cooking device 10 for crisping food is described. The device 10 includes an internal crisping container 14 including a susceptor and outer packaging 30. In one embodiment, the internal crisping container 14 is a heat seal closed cooking bag having an inner surface coated with a susceptor film. The cooking bag defines a plurality of apertures 24 enabling moisture to escape the cooking bag. The outer packaging 30 contains the internal crisping container 14 and includes at least one aperture 36 enabling moisture to escape the microwave cooking device 10. In one embodiment, the outer packaging 30 includes at least one aperture-forming strip 32 that may be pealed away to define an aperture 36 in the outer packaging 30.

Abstract: A device for improving steam cooking of microwave food is described. A container 10 defines a compartment 22 for holding food. A first member 14 is sealed to a second member 16 to form the compartment 22 in the container 10. The members 14, 16 are composed of two different materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The members 14, 16 expand at different rates when heated forming a vent in the seal between the members 14, 16. The venting enables steam to escape at a gradual rate improving the steam cooking of the food.

Abstract: A self-venting microwave cooking container (10) for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion (12), a tray portion (14), and a venting configuration (16). The bag portion (12) defines an opening (18) for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion (14) includes a floor having a surface (32) for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening (18) is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A container made of material suitable for use in a microwave having a food supporting tray in the container, a film of microwave interactive susceptor material is located at preselected locations within the container and relative to food that is supported on the tray with means for supporting the food support tray in selected space relation with respect to a surface on which the tray rests whereby food on the tray is elevated with respect to such surface.

Abstract: A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. The bag portion defines an opening for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion includes a floor having a surface for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.

Abstract: An end user container for food in refrigerated storage and subsequent microwave cooking is made of a thermo-plastic material transparent to radiant energy. The lid and tray are thermo-formed pieces and incorporate latches as integral features in the respective parts. They are arranged with a post-in-socket capability for latching the lid to the tray in a position which will permit venting of the interior of the container assembly to the exterior. The rims of the tray and lid are formed to enable pressing them together providing a surface sealing between the tray and lid along engaging wall portions of the lid and tray continuously around the container. Also, the lid has a bottom cooperating with the wall to provide a well, and the wall of the tray is outwardly turned, providing a step or ledge near the top of the tray and extending out to the upper wall portion, forming a part of the rim and which engages the well wall when the container is closed to the seal condition.

Abstract: A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. The bag portion defines an opening for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion includes a floor having a surface for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device comprises a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.