Abstract: An ovenable paper container containing an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. The ovenable paper container can be used to heat and/or cook food and then be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.

Abstract: An ovenable paper container containing an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. The ovenable paper container can be used to heat and/or cook food and then be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.

Abstract: A splatter guard for a microwave oven has a container. The container has an open bottom surface and an opening formed on a side area of the container.

Abstract: A splatter guard for a microwave oven has a container. The container has an open bottom surface and an opening formed on a side area of the container.

Abstract: A microwave cooking apparatus (10) is provided for cooking papadums in a microwave oven. The cooking apparatus (10) has a base (12), a plurality of dividers (14) and one or more spacer members (16). The base (12) is adapted to receive a plurality of uncooked papadums arranged in a generally upright orientation relative to an upper surface (18) of the base (12). The dividers (14) are provided on the upper surface (18) of the base (12) and are arranged parallel to one another in a row, so as to receive one papadum between each pair of adjacent dividers (14) in the row. The spacer members (16) project from the dividers (14) and are adapted to keep adjacent papadums in the row spaced from one another.

Abstract: Microwave pressure cooker including safety interlock mechanism. A blow vent is provided in cooker lid, and a lock bar is pivoted to cooker lid in a position to block blow vent when lock bar is resting under its own weight. Free end of lock bar includes a lock tab. Lock tab extends through a slot at periphery of lid. Cooker base includes handle with a cam section ending in a lock wall. Cooker lid is placed on base in a release position and rotated to a locking position. During rotation lock tab rides over cam section and then falls adjacent lock wall, thus sealing blow vent. After cooking cover is physically prevented from rotating back to release position by lock tab abutting lock wall. User must physically lift lock bar to unseal blow vent to ensure internal pressure is released. A spline may hold lock bar in raised position.

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 field director assembly includes electrically conductive vanes configured to prevent arcing in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern a removable cover for placement over food to be cooked in a microwave oven. The cover includes punchable perforations around the perimeter of the cover. The perforations are to be optionally punched out by the user to provide one or more holes for egress of moisture during cooking. The cover is configured as a dome, pyramid, cone or similar shape.

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 oven which accepts user-placement of a cook item on a turntable accessed through a usually front-facing door. The turntable is rotated during a preset cook-time. The turntable returns to the original user-placement situation near the door and concurrently stops at the end of the cook-time. This results in a simultaneous end of turntable rotation and an end of cooking, enabling the cook-item to be conveniently reparked adjacent with the access door thereby enabling safe and convenient removal immediately upon completion of the cook-time. The cook-time and the turntable operational and reparking parameters are factored to enable a maximum extent of turntable rotation during the cook time and still assure the return to the original starting location concurrent with cook-time completion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen device, namely a cooking vessel to be used with a cooking utensil. The cooking vessel is adapted to hold the utensil by the stem in order to suspend the cooking implement of the utensil above the container of the cooking vessel. More particularly, the cooking vessel comprises a container having a bottom surface, and a handle extending from the container. The handle has an opening for receiving the stem of the utensil, the opening having a predetermined shape for cooperating with the stem to temporarily hold the stem so that the cooking implement of the utensil hangs above the bottom surface of the container. There is also provided a cooking assembly comprising the cooking vessel and the utensil. There is also provided a handle to be joined to a cooking vessel, as well as a utensil to be used with the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A food package kit including a plurality of trays having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating at a top end, and a flange extending from the sidewall opposite the bottom, the flange includes a rim section configured to receive a sealing film, and a recessed section extending from the rim section, wherein each of the opposed longitudinal edges intersect with a lateral edge at a corner, wherein the kit also includes a sleeve adapted to contain the trays completely therein, the sleeve including a sleeve top, a first depending sleeve side, and a second depending sleeve side and a sleeve bottom, wherein the tray is completely disposed within the sleeve by frictional force between the tray and the sleeve.

Abstract: A raised platform for microwave cooking of a food product includes legs that extend to elevate a food product support surface above the floor of a microwave oven during cooking. At least one fold line extends across the food product support surface about which the food product support surface and any food product thereon can be folded. Susceptor material of the food product support surface is disposed on both sides of a fold region of the support surface and extends on both sides of the at least one fold line. The fold region is substantially free from the susceptor material allowing a food product heated on the food product surface to remain flexible to permit folding of the food product with reduced cracking or breaking. The raised platform may further include a second susceptor material disposed on a bottom surface of the food product support surface.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.

Abstract: A microwavable container for receiving food and to be put into a microwave oven for microwave heating. The microwave oven includes a support surface for supporting the microwavable container placed therein. The microwavable container is composed of a main body and a support member. The main body includes an internal bottom wall and an internal peripheral wall, both of which jointly define a chamber for receiving the food. The support member is provided with a predetermined height and located at a bottom side of the main body in such a way that a gap is formed between the internal bottom wall of the main body and the support surface of the microwave oven while the container is placed into the microwave oven. In this way, the microwave can pass through the gap to heat where the food is close to the internal bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A susceptor assembly includes electrically conductive vanes positioned with respect to each other and to an planar susceptor member having an electrically lossy layer thereon to prevent overheating of the susceptor in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped includes 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: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A susceptor assembly includes electrically conductive vanes configured to prevent arcing in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an insulating microwave packaging material (200) includes a microwave interactive material substrate (205) joined to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) to define 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 utensil for containing foodstuffs, applicable to cooking in a microwave oven, including a receptacle made of an elastomer material with an access opening and a cover for covering the access opening. The receptacle is formed by one or more walls including a bottom wall in elongated channel shape and opening edges defining the access opening at a height greater than the bottom. The bottom wall includes reinforcing ribs projecting outwardly from an outer surface thereof and providing supports leaving most of the outer surface of the bottom wall exposed to the surrounding atmosphere when the receptacle is on a support surface. The bottom wall is connected at its ends to end walls determining respective end opening edges configured to support lids.

Abstract: A portable and microwave safe container for steaming food. The container includes a lid, having an upper and lower portion, for coupling over a substantially circular food chamber. The upper and lower lid portions are connected together for holding water and creating steam therebetween when microwaved. The lower lid portion includes a middle portion and an outwardly extending sloped channel for holding water therein. The middle portion includes a plurality of steam holes for allowing steam to escape after the water is heated and move into the food chamber for heating the food contained therein. The food chamber has a lip for allowing the lower lid portion to securely rest thereon and cover the food chamber. A pivoting handle is affixed to the lid for locking the lid to the food chamber.

Abstract: A food package kit including a plurality of trays having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating at a top end, and a flange extending from the sidewall opposite the bottom, the flange includes a rim section configured to receive a sealing film, and a recessed section extending from the rim section, wherein each of the opposed longitudinal edges intersect with a lateral edge at a corner, wherein the kit also includes a sleeve adapted to contain the trays completely therein, the sleeve including a sleeve top, a first depending sleeve side, and a second depending sleeve side and a sleeve bottom, wherein the tray is completely disposed within the sleeve by frictional force between the tray and the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for preparing a custom flavored snack food includes the provision of a quantity of a snack food that is at least partially cooked and at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is placed in a coating container with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food is then coated with the at least one seasoning powder. The snack food coated with the at least one seasoning powder is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time to form the custom flavored snack food. The method may be practiced with a kit having the snack food, the at least one seasoning powder, the coating container, and the heating container. The heating container may have a removable panel that, when removed, provides access to a heating cavity for receiving and heating the coated snack food to form the custom flavored snack food.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.

Abstract: A field director assembly includes electrically conductive vanes positioned with respect to each other and to a planar support member to prevent overheating of the susceptor in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwavable apparatus capable of keeping food moist is composed of a bottom pan and at least one support frame stacked upon the bottom pan. Each of the at least one support frame includes a vapor release pan and a support member for supporting the vapor release pan up to a predetermined height. When the food is heated in a microwavable oven, the water in the accommodable cavity can pass through the microwave heating to become vapors and then the vapors can be transferred to vents and an internal space of the vapor release pan and finally ejected through the vents. Accordingly, the food put under the vapor release pan can keep moist rather than over-dried due to excessive evaporation of moisture.

Abstract: A constructable microwave susceptor sheet for holding and cooking a food item in a microwave. The constructable microwave susceptor sheet generally includes an outer panel having a first susceptor layer and a first support layer attached to the first susceptor layer and an inner panel foldably connected to the outer panel for lining an interior surface of the outer panel, wherein the inner panel includes a second susceptor layer and a second support layer attached to the second susceptor layer. The outer panel has a raised platform and a plurality of legs foldably connected to the platform. The outer panel also includes a plurality of retainer flaps vertically extending upward from a perimeter of the platform for retaining a food item thereon. The inner panel seals a plurality of openings extending through the platform which are exposed by the flaps pivoting to a vertical position.

Abstract: A microwave packaging made of a flexible, heat-sealable laminate has a grid structure made of electrically non-conductive cells that do not absorb microwaves, and an electrically conductive metal grid that separates the cells from one another. The metal grid has a layer thickness of at least 1 ?m, and the cells each have a size between 100 mm2 and 1200 mm2. The proportion of the non-conductive area formed by the cells amounts to at least 50% of the total area. A liquid-tight outer film follows a first side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one connecting layer, and a moisture-absorbent layer follows a second side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one intermediate layer, and has a polymer base substance and extends essentially over the entire area of the laminate. The microwave packaging is formed from the laminate by heat-sealing.

Abstract: A construct for preparing a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of heating regions including an inner heating region and an outer heating region. The inner heating region includes a susceptor including a plurality of annular microwave energy transparent areas, and the outer heating region includes a plurality of susceptor projections extending radially from the susceptor of the inner heating region.

Abstract: Various blanks and constructs formed therefrom are provided. The various constructs include features for supporting a food item at an elevated position to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A susceptor assembly includes a generally planar susceptor having an electric field director structure mechanically connected thereto. The field director structure includes at least one, but more preferably, a plurality of two or more vanes mechanically connected to the susceptor. Each vane has a surface at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The vane(s) are most preferably disposed substantially orthogonal to the planar susceptor. The connection may be either a fixed or a flexible articulating connection. In use, such as in the presence of a standing electromagnetic wave generated within a microwave oven, only an attenuated electric field component of the electromagnetic wave exists in a plane tangent to the surface of the vane in the vicinity of the conductive portion of the vane.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of compartments, at least one of which is defined at least partially by a microwave energy interactive insulating material that includes a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a polymer film, and a second polymer film layer that at least partially defines a plurality of expandable insulating cells that inflate upon exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: A blank for a construct includes a main panel including a removable panel at least partially defined by a line of disruption, a plurality of side panels extending from the main panel along respective fold lines, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the main panel. The blank may be used to form a construct capable of heating, browning, and/or crisping upper and lower surfaces of a food item.

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

Abstract: A microwave cooking oven return of a food item to an original placement parking of the oven's rotating table concurrent with the end of a selected cook-time. The cooked foodstuff ends-up parked at the same frontward facing turntable orientation that existed at the onset of the oven's overall operating cycle by synchronizing overall turntable circumrotation time with a preferred cook time. This absolute concurrency of return-parking and selected cook-time completion safely provides for unencumbered open-door access enabling immediate removal of the foodstuff from the turntable at the very moment of cooking completion.

Abstract: A method of making a self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven comprises in any operative order, the steps of folding a first and a second elongated vane blank along a central fold line to form at least two V-shaped vane doublets; inserting each of the vane doublets into a slotted annular support member so that each vane in each vane doublet extends through an adjacent slot in the annular support member; and attaching the vane doublets at their vertices to define a vane array.

Abstract: A bowl assembly (10) for steaming food as in a microwave oven, includes a bowl (12), a platform (14) that lies in the bowl for supporting food, and a lid (16) and lidding film (13) that close the bowl. The platform includes a plate (22) and one or more upstanding handles (46) that allow a person to lift or tilt the plate with food thereon even while the plate is hot. The bowl has a bottom wall (26) with a convexly curved upper surface (80), and with a middle that forms a recess (72) that receives a downwardly-protruding latch (70) of the plate to latch the plate to the bowl. The plate has a plurality of depressions that form liquid guiding channels (40) with holes (42) for draining liquids. The periphery of the plate is supported on an interrupted up-step (60) at the periphery of the bowl bottom wall, with gaps (18) left between the up-steps though which liquids can drain.

Abstract: A microwavable apparatus capable of keeping food moist is composed of a bottom pan and at least one support frame stacked upon the bottom pan. Each of the at least one support frame includes a vapor release pan and a support member for supporting the vapor release pan up to a predetermined height. When the food is heated in a microwavable oven, the water in the accommodable cavity can pass through the microwave heating to become vapors and then the vapors can be transferred to vents and an internal space of the vapor release pan and finally ejected through the vents. Accordingly, the food put under the vapor release pan can keep moist rather than over-dried due to excessive evaporation of moisture.

Abstract: A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40-50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitute.

Abstract: Various blanks, trays, cartons, systems, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item are provided.

Abstract: A microwavable container for receiving food and to be put into a microwave oven for microwave heating. The microwave oven includes a support surface for supporting the microwavable container placed therein. The microwavable container is composed of a main body and a support member. The main body includes an internal bottom wall and an internal peripheral wall, both of which jointly define a chamber for receiving the food. The support member is provided with a predetermined height and located at a bottom side of the main body in such a way that a gap is formed between the internal bottom wall of the main body and the support surface of the microwave oven while the container is placed into the microwave oven. In this way, the microwave can pass through the gap to heat where the food is close to the internal bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

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 microwave grill for converting microwave energy to heat and applying the heat to a grillable food or other grillable substance. The microwave grill a cover and a base that each have a grill element and an enclosure. The grill element includes a microwave absorbent material and a grilling surface that are in thermal communication with each other. The enclosure is attached to the grill element. The enclosure is fabricated from a microwave transparent material possessing a low heat transfer rate. The first enclosure substantially extends over the first microwave absorbent material. A hinge mechanism operably attaches the cover and the base. An offset bump extends from at least one of the enclosures to maintain the cover and the base in a first spaced-apart configuration when the cover and the base are in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A food support surface is elevated by legs or sidewalls to raise a food product above the floor of the microwave to promote even cooking of the food product. Portions of the side walls extend above the food support surface to provide food product control. The side walls are configured to permit easy access to the food product, thus facilitating removal of the food product from the support surface. A susceptor is disposed on the food support surface to provide conductive heating of the portions of the food product contacting the susceptor during microwave heating. The material and construction of the cooking apparatus provides increased rigidity and support for the food product, while also facilitating cool handling of the cooking apparatus after microwave cooking is complete.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a susceptor surface configured to contact a plurality of locations around greater than 180 degrees of the circumference of the food product. Such contact provides for greater surface area contact between the food product and the susceptor for more uniform cooking and crispness. Further, the weight of the food product is used in conjunction with the configuration of the cooking apparatus to increase the surface area contact between the food product and the susceptor. A line of weakness is disposed along the base of the cooking apparatus to allow the side walls of the cooking apparatus to pivot about the line of weakness to open and close the apparatus to allow for insertion and/or removal of the food product. The construction of the cooking apparatus facilitates cool handling of the cooking apparatus after microwave cooking is complete.

Abstract: A hookah perforating accessory for perforating hookah foil and perforating/aerating tobacco below the foil, preferably simultaneously, having a hollow housing, plurality of spikes on a spike platform, guide plate having a plurality of spike receiving apertures, and at least one and preferably a plurality of springs, disposed between the guide plate and spike platform.

Abstract: A rack assembly for a domestic appliance, comprising: a rack having a plurality of apertures distributed over the surface thereof; at least two supports, each of the supports being attached to the rack, each support being adapted for supporting the rack assembly in at least a first position and a second position; wherein the rack is attached to the supports in an asymmetric configuration, whereby, in use, the level of the rack is higher when the rack assembly is in the first position than in the second position. The supports may each comprise at least one leg and at least one foot, the legs being attached to the rack; wherein the legs are elongate, and the rack is attached to each of the legs at a point thereon that is closer to one end thereof than the other.