Abstract: An outer portion of one or more layers of microwave interactive material, which is for becoming hot when exposed to microwave energy, is arranged in a manner that seeks to advantageously control heating, so that the outer portion of the microwave interactive material can safely be adjacent the periphery of a turntable tray. The turntable tray can be heated by the microwave interactive material so that a peak thermally induced stress occurs in the turntable tray at a position proximate the periphery of the tray. The layer(s) of microwave interactive material are configured in a manner so that the peak thermally induced stress is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A microwave heating package includes a dimensionally stable first component for supporting a food item and a flexible second component dimensioned to receive the dimensionally stable first component. Each of the first component and the second component may include a microwave energy interactive element for altering the effect of microwave energy on a food item within the package.

Abstract: A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.

Abstract: A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.

Abstract: Various constructs and methods are provided for heating a plurality of different food items to their respective desired serving temperatures in a microwave oven in about the same amount of time.

Abstract: The combination of insulating material with microwave interactive food packaging for enhanced cooking properties is disclosed. An insulating microwave packaging material (200) and a method of making the same are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the insulating microwave packaging material (200) is formed by bonding a microwave interactive material substrate (205) that creates sensible heat upon exposure to microwave energy to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) arranged in a pattern to form closed cells (214). Upon impingement of the insulating microwave packaging material (200) by microwave energy in a microwave oven, the closed cells (214) expand to form insulating pockets (216). One side of the insulating pocket (216) bulges and lofts above the opposite side. When a food product is situated on the insulating microwave packaging material (200), the insulating pockets (216) insulate the food product from the microwave oven environment.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped comprises a substantially planar base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from a periphery of the base. The base and side walls define an interior space for receiving the food item. The base includes a plurality of movable portions for being moved out of the plane of the base into the interior space towards the periphery of the food item. A microwave energy interactive material may be joined to at least a portion of the base including the movable portions. The microwave energy interactive material may be operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into heat.

Abstract: An insulating microwave packaging material (200) is formed by bonding a microwave interactive material substrate (205) that creates sensible heat upon exposure to microwave energy to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) arranged in a pattern to form closed cells (214). Upon impingement of the insulating microwave packaging material (200) by microwave energy in a microwave oven, the closed cells (214) expand to form insulating pockets (216). One side of the insulating pocket (216) bulges and lofts above the opposite side. When a food product is situated on the insulating microwave packaging material (200), the insulating pockets (216) insulate the food product from the microwave oven environment.

Abstract: A carton comprises a microwave heating construct including a base and a plurality of upstanding walls defining an interior space for receiving a food item, and a cover joined to the construct along a line of disruption. The construct includes a line of disruption extending substantially across the base. The line of disruption defines a first section and a second section of the construct.

Abstract: A package for heating a food product. The package has a tray with a central panel for supporting the food product and a flexible flap containing a layer of microwave insulating material for heating the food product. The flexible flap has independently movable sections, wraps around the food product, and forms an open ended cooking sleeve.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a plurality of heating regions including a first heating region and a second heating region, the first heating region comprising a first layer of microwave energy interactive material, and the second heating region comprising the first layer of microwave energy interactive material and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material, wherein the second heating region is operative for heating, browning, and/or crisping an adjacent food item to a greater extent than the first heating region.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a platform having a plurality of peripheral edges, a plurality of elevating panels for maintaining the platform in a raised position, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the platform. The platform includes a movable portion defined at least partially by a line of disruption extending substantially between a pair of adjacent edges of the platform. The movable portion of the platform is adapted to pivot along the line of disruption.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a base and a plurality of upstanding walls defining an interior space, a microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the base, and a line of disruption extending substantially across the base. The line of disruption defines a first section and a second section of the construct, each section of the construct being adapted to receive at least a portion of a food item.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive insulating structure comprises a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer, a moisture-containing layer joined to the layer of microwave energy interactive material, a second polymer film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predetermined pattern to define a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer, and an aperture extending through the first polymer film layer, the moisture-containing layer, and the second polymer film layer.

Abstract: A package for heating a food product in a microwave oven. The package has a tray for holding the food product, a lid foldably connected to the tray, and a partition at least partially received in the tray. The partition separates an interior space of the tray into a first compartment and a second compartment. At least one of the lid and the partition comprises a microwave interactive material.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus for a food item comprises a panel for receiving the food item, a first susceptor joined to a side of the panel facing the food item, and a microwave energy interactive wrap comprising a second susceptor. The microwave energy interactive wrap may include a first portion attached to a side of the panel opposite the food item, the first portion being at least partially superposed with the first susceptor, a second portion adapted to overlie the food item on the panel, and a third portion adapted to be positioned beneath the first portion.

Abstract: A package for heating a microwave food item is provided.

Abstract: A package for heating a microwave food item is provided.

Abstract: An outer portion of one or more layers of microwave interactive material, which is for becoming hot when exposed to microwave energy, is arranged in a manner that seeks to advantageously control heating, so that the outer portion of the microwave interactive material can safely be adjacent the periphery of a turntable tray. The turntable tray can be heated by the microwave interactive material so that a peak thermally induced stress occurs in the turntable tray at a position proximate the periphery of the tray. The layer(s) of microwave interactive material are configured in a manner so that the peak thermally induced stress is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A microwave insulating material includes a dimensionally stable support, a patterned adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the support, a polymer film layer overlying the patterned adhesive layer, and a plurality of expandable cells disposed between the support and the polymer film layer and defined by the patterned adhesive layer, wherein the expandable cells vary in size. A self-sealing microwave package includes a sheet of insulating material including a first surface, and a thermally activatable adhesive applied to at least a portion of the first surface.