Abstract: Multilayer freezable/microwaveable films and packages having both low temperature resistance to withstand subzero freezer storage temperatures and high temperature resistance to withstand microwave cooking temperatures. The freezable/microwaveable films and packages include, for example, a film having at least three coextruded layers comprising an inner heat sealable layer, at least one core layer adjacent to the heat sealable layer, and an outer skin layer adjacent the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer. Preferably, the films and packages further include an outer protective layer laminated to the outer skin layer. The freezable/microwaveable packages can include a venting system, such as vent slits or a vent valve in the package, or vents in at least one seal of the package, to facilitate microwave heating or cooking of the package contents.

Abstract: A device and process to roast green coffee beans using a combination of microwave, conduction, convection, infrared, and latent steam heating. The device is a sealed cartridge that is semi porous and is used in a conventional or purpose built microwave oven. The resultant coffee is more flavorful and uses ½ the energy that conventional roasters use.

Abstract: A cooking container designed to brown and scorch slightly both sides of food at the same time, and a microwave oven having such a cooking container. This cooking container includes a pan body and a lid, each including a heating part generating heat using microwaves and a heat transfer part transferring heat from the heating part to food. The body of the container has a first cooking part covered with the lid, and a second cooking part having an open top. A plurality of embossments are provided on each of the first cooking part and the lid while being regularly spaced apart from each other, and so both sides of sliced bread laid in the first cooking part are thus browned and scorched slightly during the process of cooking. The second cooking part is used for frying eggs. A coated layer is formed on the inside surface of each heat transfer part of the container, thus preventing a corrosion of the heat transfer part and a sticking of food to the heat transfer part.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-frequency heating apparatus which can heat the inside of the subject to be heated by high-frequency heating, and can apply scorch onto the surface of the subject to be heated. The high-frequency heating apparatus comprises a heating room for storing therein a subject to be heated, a heating unit that is provided at the upper portion of the heating room and performs heater heating, a high-frequency generating unit that is provided at the bottom of the heating room and generates a high-frequency wave to perform high-frequency heating, a high-frequency heating element having a high-frequency heat generating film on its rear surface, and a saucer for placing thereon the subject to be heated, in which a gap is provided between the high-frequency heating element and the saucer. Hereby, scorch can be applied onto a surface of the subject to be heated.

Abstract: The installation includes a microwave heater station (14) having a microwave applicator, and a support (10) suitable for supporting the receptacles (12) in the heater station. The support (10) has at least one receptacle zone (20) which is defined by the surface (10A) of the support and by a metal band (24A, 24B) fixed to the support. The zone (20) serves to support a receptacle (12) whose bottom stands on the surface (10A) of the support and whose side wall (12B) is surrounded by the band. The support can be a conveyor bringing the receptacles into the heater station.

Abstract: An integrated microwaveable heat storage device that absorbs substantial amounts of microwave energy in a microwave oven in a relatively short period of time (one to 2 minutes) and releases this energy as heat (infrared radiation) over an extended period of time (typically 20 to 30 minutes The device includes three rigid elements, the upper element usually in the form of a container (10) such as a dish or cup cooperating with a base (14) to form a sealed enclosure or cavity. This enclosure is transparent to microwaves and encloses a mass of solid microwave absorbing material heater (12) in minimum contact with the walls of the cavity. This receptacle (enclosure) and the microwave absorbing material (the heater (12)) can have different cross sections, shapes, volumes and masses according to the specific intended use of the heat-storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate comprising a first web of fibers and a first film that together form a first ply and a second web of fibers and a second film that together form a second ply, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the plies and serves as a grease barrier. A laminate according to the invention serves as a grease barrier without the need for fluorochemical treatment. The invention also relates to a method of making a laminate comprising forming a first ply and a second ply and applying an adhesive layer between the plies. The invention also relates to an article comprising a laminate and a charge of oil and popcorn.

Abstract: A microwave susceptible insulated packaging material includes a thermal insulating layer, which may be a fiberfill batt. The insulating layer is laminated to at least one layer of a co-extruded film which has been coated on one surface with a microwave susceptible material, such as aluminum or aluminum coated with a food-safe contacting polymer sealant. The packaging material can be used to form a container, such as a pouch, or as a label or as a lining for a container. The packaging material may be coated also with a printable coating material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tray for frozen food enabling frozen food such as frozen sushi on the tray to be suitably thawed and to provide a frozen food package or a frozen sushi package using this tray, and a method of thawing frozen sushi in this package. The tray for frozen food 1 comprises a base 3, concavities 2 caved in the base 3, a surrounding wall 4 standing from the periphery of the base 3, a flange 5 composing the top end of the surrounding wall 4, a downward flap 6 extending downwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the flange 5, an overhanging portion 7 overhanging outward from the lower edge of the downward flap 6, ribs 8 formed at corners between the base 3 and the surrounding wall 4, and bulges 9 standing from the base 3. The tray 1 is composed of a body 1a made of a synthetic resin and a dielectric material layer 1b formed on the outer surface of the body 1a.

Abstract: A guided heating apparatus and a method for using the same is provided. The apparatus includes a guiding enclosure, a supporting piece, and an absorbing piece. The guiding enclosure guides and keeps energy from an energy source within the guiding enclosure. The guiding enclosure is made of a material reflective of the energy. The energy source is either one of a microwave source and an infrared source. The supporting piece is detachably coupled with the guiding enclosure and is made of a material transparent to the energy. The absorbing piece is coupled to and supported by the supporting piece within the guiding enclosure. The absorbing piece is made of at least one material that absorbs the energy and transfers the energy to an object to be heated. The absorbing piece has a predetermined composition that controls an energy absorption rate of the absorbing piece.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooker for high-frequency heating apparatus which can heat the inside of the subject to be heated by high-frequency heating, and can apply the scorch onto the surface of the subject to be heated. In the present invention, the cooker for high-frequency heating apparatus includes a high-frequency heating element and a saucer made of metal. In the cooker, the saucer is made of metal and is placed on the high-frequency heating element. Furthermore, a gap is provided between the high-frequency heating element and the saucer. Hereby, the inside of a subject to be heated is heated by high-frequency heating, and scorch can be applied onto a surface of the subject to be heated.

Abstract: A microwave oven provided with a cooking container arranged in a cooking compartment for both steaming and grilling food. The cooking container includes a main body and a lid heated by high-frequency waves, a supporting member for selectively supporting the lid so as to rest on the upper surface of the main body, a rack selectively arrangable in the main body for supporting food so as to be steamed, and first and second heating members respectively covered on an outer surface of the bottom of the main body and an upper surface of the lid for generating heat by using the high-frequency waves. An inner surface of the bottom of the main body forms a first grill plane and a lower surface of the lid forms a second grill plane so that the food is grilled by the first and second grill planes when disposed so as to contact food.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention is a single ply paper product with a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a web of fibers sufficiently refined to have a Canadian Standard Freeness value of greater than about 100 cm3 according to TAPPI standard test T 227, and having a weight of between about 20 lbs./3000 ft.2 and about 45 lbs./3,000 ft.2; and a fluorochemical in an amount of at least 800 parts per million. In another embodiment, the invention is a method for processing a single ply paper product including the steps of folding a single ply paper product into a container. Processing of the single ply paper product includes at least one of folding, creasing, applying adhesive, applying a susceptor patch, and heat sealing. In another embodiment, the invention is an article with a single ply paper product and a charge of oil and popcorn.

Abstract: A container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens. A resin container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens having an aluminum thin, film on the bottom thereof for storing food therein. The aluminum thin film is 5–30 ?m in thickness and 70 cm2 in area, and has no projections having a curvature radius of less than 2 cm over the entire surface thereof. The aluminum thin film covers 30–80% of the bottom area of the container.

Abstract: A microwave dry-fry cooking process includes the steps of providing a food product in or on a microwave cooking vessel and exposing the food product in or on the microwave cooking vessel to microwave energy in a microwave oven. The food product includes a food load and a coating composition coated on the food load, where the coating composition comprises at least one microwave-absorbing oil or fat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for the microwave heating of a food product in which a sheet of barrier material is sealed around a food product to a blank having one or more panels which can be folded to assemble a container. The sheet of barrier material forms a pocket inside which a food product may be disposed. The sheet of barrier material is sealed to one of the panels, so that a peripheral outer portion is formed to separate the food product from the remaining panel or panels. The barrier material may be moisture impervious, and may be sealed to the blank using a vacuum platen or heat-sealing methods. A microwave susceptor can be disposed on the blank, which is made from a material suitable for microwave heating such as a polymer and paperboard laminate.

Abstract: The heating effect of a microwave susceptor can be improved by providing a pattern of microwave transparent areas in the susceptor. The transparent areas are preferably circles having a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The distance between adjacent circles is preferably about 0.5 inch. The susceptor may be used to brown and crispen the crust of frozen pizza heated in a microwave oven. The crust of the pizza is browner, especially at its central area, than the crust of pizza heated using a conventional susceptor.

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 flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18) through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven.

Abstract: Indentation patterns are scored in microwave packaging materials to enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food products. The indentation patterns provide venting to either channel moisture from one area of the food product to another, trap moisture in a certain area to prevent it from escaping, or channel the moisture completely away from the food product. The indentation patterns cause the microwave packaging material underneath a food product to be slightly elevated above the cooking platform in the base of a microwave. The indentation patterns lessen the heat sinking effect of the cooking platform by providing an air gap for insulation. Elevating the base of the microwave packaging material further allows more incident microwave radiation to propagate underneath the microwave packaging material to be absorbed by the food product or by microwave interactive materials in the microwave packaging material that augment the heating process.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molded microwaveable frozen food container having at least a first section and a second section in which at least one of the sections includes an in-mold label. The in-mold label provides at least one of the sections with a susceptor zone. In one embodiment of the inventive container, a first section of the container can include the in-mold label providing the susceptor zone and a second section of the container can include the in-mold label providing a shielding zone. Alternatively, the first section can include a shielding zone and the second section can include the susceptor zone or three sections can be provided have a combination of shielding and susceptor zones.

Abstract: A coated susceptor of electromagnetic energy for chemical processing made of a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, in which the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the surface of the susceptor is coated with a material that interacts with applied electromagnetic energy of at least one frequency and initially absorbs electromagnetic energy and produces heat.

Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable bag (18) includes a bottom wall (20), a top wall (22), first and second, pleated, side walls (26) having pleats (26a-26d), and first and second non-venting ends (24, 28). Spots (60, 62) of adhesive may be provided between the pleats (26a-d) and the top and bottom walls (20, 22) to prevent the formation of pockets adjacent the end (24). Couplers (70) formed of adhesive are provided between the pleats (26b, 26d) and the top wall (22) which seal apertures (72) in the pleats (26b, 26d) which vent during microwave popping, puffing, or expanding of a food product held in the bag (18) and which may predispose unfolding of the pleats (26a, 26c) adjacent the bottom wall (20) including the susceptor (30).

Abstract: An article that indirectly browns and/or flavors foodstuffs, a method of indirectly browning and/or flavoring foodstuffs, and a browned and/or flavored foodstuff provided by the article are disclosed. More specifically, the articles and processes to brown and/or flavor foodstuffs utilize a heated susceptor, such as a plastic film, metal foil, cardboard, or paper, treated with a browning and/or flavoring composition, such as a composition containing hydroxyacetaldehyde.

Abstract: A thermoformed disposable food container having a wall caliper of from about 10 to about 80 mils consisting essentially of from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of a matrix polymer composition consisting predominantly of a polypropylene polymer and optionally including a polyethylene polymer, from about 10 to about 50 percent mica, from about 2.5 to about 25 percent calcium carbonate, and up to about 5 weight percent titanium dioxide, exhibits enhanced rigidity when the calcium carbonate has a mean particle size of less than about 8 microns. The extrudable compositions are likewise useful for film, sheet and injection molding applications.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling a container for microwave heating of a food product.

Abstract: Device for reheating baked microwaveable food products comprising: i) an external container (1) composed of a lower part (2) and a removable lid (3) fitting to the lower part (2), all being made of a heat resistant mineral composition that is transparent for microwaves; ii) a sheet (6) susceptible to microwave heating, which sheet (6) is positioned above the bottom (8) of container and spaced from the bottom (8) by supports (9) creating a heat insulating interspace between the bottom (8) and the sheet (6); iii) in the top of the device just below lid (3) but separated therefrom a sheet (11) susceptible to microwave heating; iv) in sheet (11) opening for microwave heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for thawing at least one piece of sushi or similar foodstuff formed from a principal element intended to be served warm and at least one accompanying element intended to be served cold with a microwave oven. The device includes a package having at least one bottom, lateral walls and a top wall; and a microwave-reflective layer on an interior surface, wherein the top wall is permeable to microwaves and includes at least one cut-out to receive and hold the sushi or similar foodstuff.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave heating device, and in particular, a microwave heating device with a microwave heating element mounted on the surface of a heating dish on which food is placed inside a heating chamber. The microwave heating device according to the present invention includes a heating chamber for placing an object to be heated; a magnetron for generating microwaves; a waveguide for supplying the microwaves generated by the magnetron through the bottom of the heating chamber; a heating dish on which the object to be heated is placed; a microwave heating element positioned on the bottom surface of the heating dish to generate heat by absorbing microwaves; and an access passage for allowing the microwaves supplied by the waveguide to reach above the heating dish from below the heating dish. The object on the heating dish is heated by the heating dish, which is heated by the microwave heating element and by microwaves that reach above the heating dish.

Abstract: A microwavable package may include one or more microwave-absorbing regions, microwave-shielding regions, and/or embossed regions designed to enhance microwave cooking of food products including raw meat, poultry, and fish as well as breaded, battered, and dough containing items. Microwave-absorbing regions (i.e., solid susceptors) may promote thermal cooking, browning, and/or crisping of food products. Microwave-shielding regions (i.e., patterned susceptors) may promote uniform cooking and inhibit overcooking of food products. A patterned susceptor may be a conductive grid or a grid of conductive or non-conductive shapes (e.g., squares, triangles, circles). In an embodiment, solid susceptors and patterned susceptors may be formed from a common thin metal film on a common polymer barrier layer and laminated to a common structural backing layer.

Abstract: A microwavable package may include one or more microwave-absorbing regions, microwave-shielding regions, and/or embossed regions designed to enhance microwave cooking of food products. Microwave-absorbing regions (i.e., solid susceptors) may promote thermal cooking, browning, and/or crisping of food products. Microwave-shielding regions (i.e., patterned susceptors) may promote uniform cooking and inhibit overcooking of food products. A patterned susceptor may be a conductive grid or a grid of conductive or non-conductive shapes. In an embodiment, solid susceptors and patterned susceptors. may be formed from a common thin metal film on a common polymer barrier layer and laminated to a common structural backing layer. An embossed region of a microwavable package may promote crisping of a food product by allowing air to circulate between the food product and an interior surface of the microwavable package.

Abstract: A microwavable metal food-heating tray for a microwave oven is provided that includes a metal tray having a bottom surface and a plurality of insulators that are evenly distributed and vulcanized on the bottom surface of the metal tray. The insulators on the bottom surface of the tray effectively detach the metal food-heating tray from the rotating tray of a microwave oven to avoid sparks resulting from electric conduction between the metal food-heating tray and the rotating tray, when the rotating tray is metal rotating tray. However, the metal food-heating tray performs equally when used in a microwave oven having a non-metal rotating tray.

Abstract: A kind of metal food-heating tray for microwave oven that comprising a metal tray, characterized in that insulating ears are symmetrically distributed on the edge of the metal tray. The eared metal food-heating tray for microwave oven in this utility model is scientific in design and reasonable in structure. The insulating ears on two sides of the tray can make the operation and utilization of metal tray more convenient and thereby the tray can be taken with hand regardless of the high temperature of the foods in the tray and the hotness of the tray itself. In order to make the metal food-heating tray applicable to microwave oven-used rotating trays made of different materials, insulating stands may be evenly distributed on the bottom surface of the eared metal food-heating tray for microwave oven in this utility model.

Abstract: A packaged food product suitable for microwave heating includes a microwave susceptor and a sealed container that encloses the food product and the microwave susceptor. A gas is sealed within the container and the container has at least one releasably sealed opening that is adapted to vent gas from the package during heating. The susceptor is disposed adjacent the food product to shield at least a portion of the food product against microwave heating, whilst simultaneously heating the shielded portion by infrared radiation.

Abstract: An article and method of producing an article for converting energy from one form to another having a pitch-derived graphitic foam carbon foam substrate and a single layer coating applied to all exposed surfaces wherein the coating is either silicon carbide or carbides formed from a Group IVA metal. The article is used as fully coated carbon foam susceptors that more effectively absorb radio frequency (RF) band energy and more effectively convert the RF energy into thermal band energy or sensible heat. The essentially non-permeable coatings also serve as corrosion or oxidation resistant barriers.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor material packaging article or ovenware contains susceptor material which differs in an effectiveness to convert microwave energy to heat.

Abstract: A reconfigurable microwave packaging container is provided for containing, heating, and crisping at least one surface of at least one food product. The container includes a reconfigurable first panel having a flap that is at least partially separable from the container, and at least a portion of the flap includes a microwave susceptor material for absorbing microwave energy to transfer to at least one food product surface. The container also includes a second panel spaced from the first panel by a first distance to accommodate at least one food product between the first and second panels. The flap of the first panel is reconfigurable to be spaced at a second distance from the second panel, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A reconfigurable microwave packaging container is provided for containing, heating, and crisping at least one surface of at least one food product. The container includes a reconfigurable first panel having a flap that is at least partially separable from the container, and at least a portion of the flap includes a microwave susceptor material for absorbing microwave energy to transfer to at least one food product surface. The container also includes a second panel spaced from the first panel by a first distance to accommodate at least one food product between the first and second panels. The flap of the first panel is reconfigurable to be spaced at a second distance from the second panel, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: A container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens. A resin container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens having an aluminum thin, film on the bottom thereof for storing food therein. The aluminum thin film is 5-30 &mgr;m in thickness and 70 cm2 in area, and has no projections having a curvature radius of less than 2 cm over the entire surface thereof. The aluminum thin film covers 30-80% of the bottom area of the container.

Abstract: The heating effect of a microwave susceptor can be improved by providing a pattern of microwave transparent areas in the susceptor. The transparent areas are preferably circles having a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The distance between adjacent circles is preferably about 0.5 inch. The susceptor may be used to brown and crispen the crust of frozen pizza heated in a microwave oven. The crust of the pizza is browner, especially at its central area, than the crust of pizza heated using a conventional susceptor.

Abstract: Ovenware for microwave ovens which contain a composition comprising a susceptor and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer are improved when the composition also has a thermal conductivity of about 0.7 W/m°K or more. Heat generated by absorption of microwave radiation by the susceptor is more readily conducted to the food being cooked when the thermal conductivity of the composition is high, particularly when the part containing the susceptor is relatively thick. Also described are designs for various pieces of ovenware containing this composition.

Abstract: In a cooking vessel for use in a microwave oven, a microwave cooking vessel comprises a vessel a having a bottom surface, a body wall, and an open region, wherein the open region extends upwardly from the bottom surface to terminate at the peripheral flange; a heating element adapted to convert microwave radiation into thermal energy, the heating element composed primarily of a mixture of elastic material and ferrite particles, wherein the top face of the heating element is attached to the outer bottom surface of the vessel so as to distribute heat along the bottom of the vessel; and a cover having a dome-shape and comprising a handle for engaging and disengaging the cover onto the vessel, plurality of apertures which provides a pathway for heated air and moisture so that the cover does not disengage from the vessel when the microwave cooking vessel is in use, and an annular flange which sits on the peripheral flange of the vessel when the cover is engaged to the vessel, wherein the cover is composed primaril

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molded microwaveable frozen food container having at least a first section and a second section in which at least one of the sections includes an in-mold label. The in-mold label provides at least one of the sections with a susceptor zone. In one embodiment of the inventive container, a first section of the container can include the in-mold label providing the susceptor zone and a second section of the container can include the in-mold label providing a shielding zone. Alternatively, the first section can include a shielding zone and the second section can include the susceptor zone or three sections can be provided have a combination of shielding and susceptor zones.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient semi-rigid hand-held microwaveable package. The package contains a thermal insulating layer that protects the consumer from being burned by handling the hot package. Yet further, the package also contains an easy open device.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an oval shaped access opening closed by an oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) to the first portion (22d). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (22) keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18) to rock to maximize gravimetric separation.

Abstract: A container has a patterned susceptor region in the bottom, a fold region between the bottom and the sidewall of the container, a sidewall region, and a flange region that forms a flange or lip of the container. The patterned susceptor region includes arrangements of microwave-interactive features disposed generally along respective close plane curves, which reduces overheating and increases the filling temperature of the food product. The fold region contains microwave transparent features that minimize de-lamination of the container in the folded region, and also create a generally transmissive area in the vicinity of the heel of the food product to improve the cooking thereof. The sidewall region shields the periphery of the food product so that it is not overcooked while promoting an appropriate degree of pie dough shell browning. The flange area is transmissive to promote an appropriate degree of cooking of the food product crust.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convenient semi-rigid hand-held microwaveable package. The package contains a thermal insulating layer that protects the consumer from being burned by handling the hot package. Yet further, the package also contains an easy open device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held microwaveable container formed from microwaveable appropriate material, The container includes a thermal insulating layer that allows a microwaved container to be removed from a microwave oven and held in a user's hand while using the contents of the container. The container also can include a susceptor surface adjacent the food item within the container. The container further includes an opening mechanism for easily opening the container and optionally a venting mechanism.