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 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 raised platform for a microwave cooking of a food product that includes a support surface, a pair of generally rectangular legs depending from opposing sides of the support surface, a pair of leg extensions attached to each of the generally rectangular legs, and a susceptor surface disposed on the food product support surface for conducting heat to a food product thereon during microwave cooking. The raised platform can be converted between a collapsed configuration, where the legs are generally parallel to the support surface, and an expanded configuration, where the legs are generally perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: A container for use in microwave heating. The container includes a bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom. The sidewall defines an interior and terminates at a staking wall. A flange extends from the stacking wall and includes an edge section and an upper section extending radially outward from the container.

Abstract: A stackable cooking vessel arrangement for microwave ovens wherein the arrangement comprises a plurality of plate members suspended at multiple tiers by leg support members within the cooking cavity of microwave ovens.

Abstract: The present device is an apparatus for stabilizing food items, such as marshmallows, desserts, crackers, or the like, on a horizontal surface while cooking. The apparatus includes a base for supporting the food item. The device further includes an enclosure for selectively attaching with the base for covering the food item, and which has a top aperture therethrough. The invention further includes a stabilizing arm that is slidably connected through the top aperture of the enclosure. The stabilizing arm may be moved between a raised position and a lowered position to stabilize the food item on the base when cooking, such as in a microwave oven.

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: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.

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, wherein each vane doublet itself comprises a first and a second vane attached together at a vertex, a portion of each vane being electrically conductive, 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 thereby to define a vane array.

Abstract: Various constructs and systems for heating a dough-based food item in a microwave oven are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking food products on both sides thereof, including a base member (2) associated to a bottom heating surface (3) adapted to support food products to be cooked, an upper member (4) associated to a top heating surface (5) and joined in an articulated manner to the base member (2) so that, when the upper member (4) is displaced towards the base member (2), the top heating surface (5) comes to lie opposite to the bottom heating surface (3) so as to enclose the food products therebetween. The upper member (4) is adapted to close in onto the base member (2) so as to form a cooking cavity (6) containing the heating surfaces (3, 5), wherein the cooking cavity (6) defines a radiation shield capable of retaining the microwaves inside the cooking cavity (6) itself.

Abstract: A heating attachment for improving uniformity of microwave heating of a food product in a food container. The heating attachment has a microwave shield of microwave-reflective material. An attachment member is configured for attaching the shield to a food container in an operative association in which the container is disposed in a heating space by the shield. In this association, the shield improves the uniformity of microwave heating of a food product within the container. The heating attachment sufficiently surrounds the container in the operative association to capture the container for promoting breakage of the heating attachment when the container is removed therefrom to inhibit or prevent reuse of the heating attachment.

Abstract: Microwaveable container that provides for accelerated microwave cooking times and more uniform internal temperature distribution. The container is manufactured from a laminate structure, the laminate structure including a first layer of microwave-transparent material and a second layer of microwave-reflective material. The second layer has at least one aperture defined therein, the at least one aperture having a width dimension W, a length dimension L, and a perimeter dimension P. The aperture is sized such that at least one of the width dimension W or length dimension L is sized about an energy maximum. Accordingly, the width and/or the length dimension is defined as within ?? of a predetermined dimension D. The predetermined dimension is equal to ¼?+n(½)?, wherein n is an integer and ? is a microwave wavelength associated with a predetermined range of microwave frequencies. Preferably, the predetermined range of microwave frequencies is between about 2.0-3.0 GHz.

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 device for the display and cooking of kernels of corn for making popcorn, includes a container with a base that can store kernels of corn and a compensating zone that can take up at least two positions, one folded and the other unfolded.

Abstract: A platter for use in a forced air/microwave combination oven, the platter comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and incorporating a plurality of apertures passing through the thickness of the platter; wherein one or both of the surfaces of the platter incorporate a recess substantially surrounding at least one of the apertures. The invention also provides a platter incorporating an indentation shaped to receive an item of cookware, the indentation being positioned to align the cookware with microwave radiation in the oven in use. Additionally, the invention provides a platter incorporating apertures distributed over substantially the entire surface area of the platter, and also a platter comprising a central region substantially devoid of apertures, and one or more apertures at substantially the edge of the platter. Preferably the platter is made of a polymer material, particularly preferably a liquid crystal polymer resin such as DuPont (RTM) Zenite (RTM) 7130.

Abstract: A food support for use in a microwave oven comprising a plurality of surfaces for supporting a plurality of food items at different heights with respect to the base of the oven. The plurality of surfaces comprises a first set of surfaces at a first height and a second set of surfaces at a second height. Each surface from the first set of surfaces is adjacent only to surfaces from the second set of surfaces, and each surface from the second set of surfaces is adjacent only to surfaces from the first set of surfaces. This reduces the effect of a food item shielding an adjacent food item, which otherwise leads to uneven heating of food items in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive insulating material is provided. The material may include a susceptor film comprising a microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymeric film layer, a moisture-containing layer superposed with the microwave energy interactive material, and a second polymeric film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predetermined pattern, thereby forming at least one closed cell between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymeric film layer. The closed cell is capable of inflating upon exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: A method for safe and uniform microwave cooking of food articles in a container, comprising providing a microwave permeable container, wherein a portion of said container is covered with a microwave reflective surface to deflect microwaves away from a predefined body of liquid within said container; loading bacon within said container; and exposing said container to microwaves for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A supporting rack includes arranged rods arranged to form a planar grid pattern and connection device to allow for modification in the overall space occupied by the rack. In a preferred embodiment, a rack for use in a conventional domestic cooking oven is formed of perpendicularly disposed rods of material such as stainless steel suitable for withstanding the temperatures to which such an oven may be subjected and has an outer frame capable of interfacing with support inside oven walls, and generally centrally disposed hinged mechanism to allow folding of the portions of the rack to reduce its size and facilitate handling when performing tasks such as cleaning the rack.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell is pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An all-in-one microwave beverage brewing and storage container and a method of using such container for quickly and conveniently brewing and storing beverages such as coffee and/or tea. The device comprises a receptacle having an interior portion capable of holding a first predetermined amount of liquid. The receptacle has a sidewall having a flat surface to enable the receptacle to rest on its side while placed within a microwave energy source. A top portion is provided on the receptacle that is capable of preventing the first predetermined amount of liquid from leaking out of the receptacle while the receptacle is resting on its side. A venting member is provided for venting the liquid during brewing of the beverage within the microwave. Upon the completion of brewing, the receptacle may be turned upright and a second predetermined amount of water and/or ice may be added to finish preparing the beverage.

Abstract: A method of packaging bacon so that after folding and joining two tabs, the package converts to a rack for holding the bacon and collecting the grease during microwave cooking.

Abstract: A container (10) for preparing a comestible article in a microwave oven includes a storage chamber (18) into which a comestible article (c) cooked by exposure to microwave energy is displaced, the storage chamber (18) being characterized by the presence of a microwave shielding material (28) disposed therearound.

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: 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: A microwave anti-heat supporter for a piece of food to be heated by microwave includes a heating platform, a plurality of supporting legs, and a heating arrangement. The heating platform has an upper supporting surface for the food resting thereon, and a lower ventilating surface. The supporting legs downwardly extend from the ventilating surface of the heating platform to raise up the supporting surface of the heating platform in a suspended manner. The heating arrangement contains a plurality of through ventilating slots spacedly formed on the heating platform to communicate the supporting surface with the ventilating surface, in such a manner that the ventilating slots are adapted for allowing the microwave to circulate from the ventilating surface to the supporting surface so as to effectively generate a uniform heat applying at the food on the heating platform at all directions.

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: A microwave cooking tray comprises a base having at least two compartments. Each compartment of the base has a bottom surface defining a pattern, the bottom surface of one of the compartments defining a first pattern and a bottom surface of a second of the compartments defining a second pattern. The first and second patterns are distinct and each is designed for optimal cooking of a particular type of food product.

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 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: A utensil for cooking pasta in a microwave oven has an upstanding tubular central portion through which a drive shaft extends of a mixing member which fits over that central tubular portion and extends downwardly in the utensil. The drive shaft is driven by a motor in the microwave oven or a motor forming part of the utensil.

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 bacon cooker and method for microwave cooking of bacon. The bacon cooker includes an outer container, an inner container, a rack, and a lid. The lid is releasably attached to the container via a plurality of cam locks that which engage the container and rim and force the rim into the engagement with the underside of the lid. Lever arms with clasps specifically dimensioned to securely engage the outside wall of the lid when the cam locks in are the locked position. The rack is dimensioned to fit inside the container and consists of a plurality of radially extending vanes over which bacon is hung for cooking. The rack includes a upwardly extending stem with alternate vanes dimensioned to fit within a centrally located bore on the lid for securing the container to the lid. A microwave reflective surface is positioned between vacuum sealed outer and inner containers.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity, a skewer which receives food therethrough to hold the food, and a container which contains the food therein so as to prevent oil produced from the food from being adhered to an inner wall of the cooking cavity. Accordingly, the oil generated from the food is not spattered onto the inner wall, and is allowed to collect in an oil collecting tray of the microwave oven through one or more holes of the container.

Abstract: A rice cooking system for a microwave oven comprises an inner cooking container for containing rice and rice cooking water, main outer container holding the inner container with a space in between their side surfaces, a lid covering the outer container, and a foam control sheet having a plurality of small holes 52 and supported between the outer container and the lid. The inner cooking container is made of metal and has a folded or rolled a rim. A step at the bottom of the outer container locates the inner cooking container so that its outer wall is spaced from the outer container.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a saucer holder, and a saucer used with the microwave oven. The saucer holder is provided on the external surface of the microwave oven. The saucer removably engages with the saucer holder.

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 microwave food covering assembly includes a stand that includes panel having a top side and a bottom side. Each of a plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom side. Each of the legs is positioned generally adjacent to a peripheral edge of the panel. A covering includes a top wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends downwardly therefrom. The top wall has generally the same shape as the panel. The top wall has a shortest diameter having a length greater than a shortest diameter of the panel. The stand may be positioned over food and the covering positioned over the stand such that the peripheral wall extends downward.

Abstract: A bacon cooker and method for microwave cooking of bacon. The bacon cooker includes an outer container, an inner container, a rack, and a lid. The lid is releasably attached to the container via a plurality of cam locks that which engage the container and rim and force the rim into the engagement with the underside of the lid. Lever arms with clasps specifically dimensioned to securely engage the outside wall of the lid when the cam locks in are the locked position. The rack is dimensioned to fit inside the container and consists of a plurality of radially extending vanes over which bacon is hung for cooking. The rack includes a upwardly extending stem with alternate vanes dimensioned to fit within a centrally located bore on the lid for securing the container to the lid. A microwave reflective surface is positioned between vacuum sealed outer and inner containers.

Abstract: A cooking shelf for a microwave oven allows food placed thereon to be equally close to its upper and lower heaters to evenly cook the food. The cooking shelf includes an upper shelf part having a certain area on which food is placed, a column part, which is downwardly extended from the upper shelf part by a certain length to support the upper shelf part, and a lower support part which is connected to a lower end of the column part and radially extended to support the column part.

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: An apparatus adapted to suspend a covering over a container in a microwave oven is disclosed. A center beam is supported by multiple support members each having a first and a second leg. The first end of each leg rests on the floor of the oven, and these leg ends are spaced apart so as to accommodate a container underneath the apparatus. The second end of each leg is positioned at ajunction location along with the center beam. The legs are adjustable in length so as to accommodate microwave ovens and containers of varying sizes. A covering is placed over the apparatus to prevent food splatters and to improve heating results. The apparatus may include a clip or other holder which serves to secure the covering to the apparatus. The entire apparatus may be disassembled for ease of storage or shipment.

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: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity defined by a rear wall, sidewalls, an upper wall and a bottom wall, and a cooking tray installed on the bottom wall of the cooking cavity. An upper heater is installed at a position adjacent to the upper wall of the cooking cavity, and one or more middle heaters are rotatably installed on the rear wall at positions between the upper heater and the cooking tray. Upper supports are provided between the upper heater and the one or more middle heaters so as to horizontally protrude from each of the sidewalls, and lower supports are provided between the one or more middle heaters and the cooking tray so as to horizontally protrude from each of the sidewalls, so that food holding members are removably seated on the upper and lower supports.

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 microwave oven includes a saucer holder, and a saucer used with the microwave oven. The saucer holder is provided on the external surface of the microwave oven. The saucer removably engages with the saucer holder. Thus, the microwave oven allows a user to easily carry a heated cup after a cooking process.

Abstract: A pre-assembly of pre-baked corn tortillas are alternatingly stacked with separators to space the tortillas apart to enable water vapor to escape during microwave heating and help keep the tortillas from becoming wet or soggy. The assembly can include a plastic bag for the stack, in a prepackaged form. Also a method for re-heating tortillas by placing the tortilla/separator stack in a microwave heating compartment and allowing water vapor to escape via the separators. The stack can be placed in a microwave-safe serving container with a removable lid to facilitate microwaving and serving the tortillas in a single container.

Abstract: A food container for use in a microwave oven is made from an inner, food contacting, glass vessel an outer plastic vessel. Because of the external plastic layer, the container has a significantly higher thermal insulating capability than a comparable glass container. This reduces the cooling rate of cooked food and provides an extra margin of handling safety. On the other hand, the internal glass vessel will not impart a plastic flavor to food stored or cooked in the vessel, and will be immune to the blistering or discoloration that sometimes occurs with plastic vessels. In some versions of the invention, free-standing glass and plastic vessels are arranged to be interfitted for use in food storage and microwave cooking, but can be easily separated for cleaning. In other versions, the glass and plastic vessels are intimately bonded together to prohibit penetration of moisture between the two vessels.