Having Specific Electrical Or Wave Energy Feature Patents (Class 426/107)
  • Publication number: 20090155419
    Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Renee Gan, Gary Smith, Ya-yu Pai, Keith Forneck, Christine Louise Kwiat, Megan N. Raymond Goodrich, Arthur C. Teasdale
  • Publication number: 20090155426
    Abstract: A fully assembled frozen food product is provided which comprises a bread portion having a top portion and a bottom portion and having a filling between, and co-extensive with, the top and bottom portions, wherein the fully assembled frozen food product can be heated in a microwave oven to provide a heated food product which is then ready to be eaten, wherein the bread portion of the heated food product is not dried out and wherein the filling in the heated food product has an essentially uniform temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Renee Gan, Keith Forneck, Ya-yu Pai, Gary Smith
  • Patent number: 7541562
    Abstract: A microwave insulating material includes a dimensionally stable support, a patterned adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the support, a polymer film layer overlying the patterned adhesive layer, and a plurality of expandable cells disposed between the support and the polymer film layer and defined by the patterned adhesive layer, wherein the expandable cells vary in size. A self-sealing microwave package includes a sheet of insulating material including a first surface, and a thermally activatable adhesive applied to at least a portion of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorin R. Cole, Timothy H. Bohrer, Scott W. Middleton, Richard G. Robison, Terrence P. Lafferty, Brian R. O'Hagan, Patrick H. Wnek
  • Publication number: 20090123614
    Abstract: A packaging suitable for microwaves and made of plastic film, having a packaging recess in which a packaged product is introduced, and of a closing film which is sealed on a margin of the packaging recess along a sealing seam, the margin having a region which is formed as a duct and is initially closed and through which, after opening along a weakening line, steam can escape during the heating of the packaged product. A method for heating the packaged product in the packaging is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: CFS KEMPTEN GMBH
    Inventors: Walter Bernig, Bernard Dujardin, Jorg Feisel
  • Publication number: 20090110783
    Abstract: Edamame within a microwave bowl is introduced for preparation of an edamame food product. The pod count of the edamame product is within a range of about 145 to 170 pods per 500 grams of the edamame product. A volume of moisture is added into the microwaveable bowl with the edamame product. A top film is sealed across a rim of the microwaveable bowl and then the edamame product is frozen. Subsequently several sealed microwaveable bowls are packaged together in a box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jing-Yau Chung
  • Publication number: 20090110784
    Abstract: Provided are a packaging container for a microwave oven that excels in the sealing performance between a container body and lid, and that at heating/cooking by a microwave oven, maintains the internal pressure of the container for a given period of time to thereby enhance the taste of contents through steaming effect, and that thereafter, can spontaneously open with certainty from a steam releasing seal part; and an efficient process for manufacturing the packaging container. In the packaging container for microwave oven having a lid heat-sealed to the periphery of a flange part of container body made of a synthetic resin so as to attain hermetic sealing, at least one steam releasing seal part with a weakened part is disposed inside the peripheral seal part of the flange part at a position separate from the peripheral seal part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd
    Inventors: Hisakazu Yasumuro, Shuuichi Nonaka, Osamu Gotou, Shie Nishimoto, Keizou Kanzaki, Kikuo Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20090110785
    Abstract: Provided is a package for cooking in a microwave oven, in which a synthetic resin container body having a flange part is filled with contents and a lid is heat-sealed to the flange part to seal the package hermetically. Independent concave parts sandwiching a heat-sealed part are provided in a part of the flange part on the inner and outer sides of the heat-sealed part to form, on the heat-sealed part, a projection part directed to the inner direction of the container and serving as a steam releasing part by automatically opening. The package is prevented from being broken or deformed by preventing the heat-sealed part from being peeled immediately after the contents are placed in the container body. When heating cooking is performed in a microwave oven, the package improves the taste of the contents by the steaming effect. The lid is sure to automatically open by the increase of the pressure in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Hisakazu Yasumuro, Shinji Tanaka, Kikuo Matsuoka
  • CUP
    Publication number: 20090110782
    Abstract: A cup (2) for the storage and dispensing of a liquid is disclosed. The cup (2) comprises an inner cup (4), the open end of which is closed by an hermetic seal (8), and a sleeve (6) around the inner cup (4). The sleeve (6) engages with the inner cup (4) and extends beyond the open end of the inner cup (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: MARS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Simon Mellor
  • Publication number: 20090104316
    Abstract: A microwavable product capable from a frozen state of its gas and ice including composition, whilst still in all or part of its container in which it has been frozen or been held frozen, of being microwave heated to a foamy hot beverage, the composition having a stabiliser and at least one type of dairy inclusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: FONTERRA BRANDS GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Sarah MARKILLIE, Murray TAYLOR, Julia CROWNSHAW
  • Publication number: 20090098257
    Abstract: A package for microwave heating is provided. The package comprises a packaging film including an outer structural film having at least one set of perforations therethrough, and, an inner heat sealable film capable of being hermetically sealed to itself to form an inner package volume having no perforations therethrough that would create an aperture path through the packaging film. Typically, a non-release, heat and water stable, adhesive region is provided between the outer structural film and the inner heat sealable film. A packaging film, methods of formation of the packaging film, packages, and methods of use of the packages, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Robert C. Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20090092708
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for extending the shelf-life of one or more foods by exposure to one or more pulses of microwave radiation for at least seven (7) seconds. The present invention may also be used to reduce pathogenic organisms in food. The one or more foods may be packaged within a container, sealed and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Christine Alvarado, J. Chance Brooks, Mindy M. Brashears, Todd Brashears, Gianfranco Coccoli, Pierluigi Sapelli, Mario Piazza, Stefania Franzoni, Federico Felappi, Nicola Tolettini
  • Publication number: 20090081336
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS MARKETING, INC.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Richard L. Mace
  • Publication number: 20090061053
    Abstract: A susceptor includes a flexible substrate and a metallic material provided on at least one surface of the substrate. A first plurality of ventilation apertures are formed in the substrate and the metallic material, and the first plurality of ventilation apertures are configured to permit a fluid to pass through the substrate and the metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Ian Michael Daines Gaylor, Charles Daniel Bonner, Annie Louise Charlotte Broadhurst
  • Patent number: 7491416
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Hua Zhang, Brita F. Sheehan, Mark A. Williamson, Robert Croft, Martin Short
  • Publication number: 20090041908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of packaging a packageable product comprising the step of placing the packageable product and a silicon material within a package. The packageable product may be a food or a drink. The silicon material may comprise porous silicon, for example it may comprise films or particles of vivid colour. The silicon material may be used to absorb substances that are harmful to the packageable product. The silicon material may be used to release substances that are beneficial to the packageable product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Leigh Trevor Canham
  • Publication number: 20090035424
    Abstract: A packaging bag for microwave oven heating, is manufactured by using a complex film at least one side of which comprises a sealant layer, folding the complex film or placing the complex films one upon another so as to encounter the sealant layers to each other, sealing the peripheral of the overlapped complex films by a main seal part to form a sealed bag, and providing in the bag a region which is isolated from a space for storing contents by a steam port seal part. The steam port seal part surrounds a steam easy permeable element. The lamination strength between the layers of the complex film in hot condition is not less than 1.5 N/15 mm in width, and the seal strength at least at the steam port seal part in hot condition is not more than 28 N/15 mm in width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kozo Mita, Yoshitaka Hamada, Atsuko Takahagi, Shin Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090035419
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed, pre-packaged food tray and accompanying food for domestic pets includes a tray with a plurality of compartments and a seal. The tray has a top side, a bottom side and a lip. The plurality of compartments are used for housing the food intended for the domestic pets. The seal is a planar member which is disposed around the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Logan Woods, Gloria Woods
  • Publication number: 20090035422
    Abstract: There is provided a microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product comprising: a flexible plastic packing bag which is vacuumed to a pressure of 50 to 600 mmHg and, in the pressure-reduced state, hermetically sealed; an open-topped plastic box placed in the plastic packing bag; a laminated metal foil placed on the bottom of the plastic box; and a sushi product placed in the plastic box with its sushi material or materials in contact with the laminated metal foil; the microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product being such that an inner surface of the plastic packing bag is in contact with a rice section of the sushi product; and the plastic packing bag, the plastic box, the laminated metal foil and the sushi product are frozen together in a unified form, in which water vapor emanating from the sushi product in the thawing flow through a space formed around the sushi product to effect heating of the rice section and the sushi material or materials of the sushi product, thereby diminishing temperature uneve
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yuji Ishino, Hironobu Kadoya
  • Publication number: 20090029013
    Abstract: A device for packaging and cooking popcorn includes in the lower part an essentially rigid base, and in the upper part a compensating zone that can occupy a first folded position in which it forms a cover for the base and delimits a restricted volume, and a second unfolded position in which it forms a tube and delimits a larger volume suited to that of the cooked popcorn. The device is produced from a complex material that includes a layer made of cardboard-type material to ensure the rigidity and a layer that is made of flexible and airtight plastic that is placed on the surface oriented toward the inside of the device. The device includes a window at least at the level of a wall of the compensating zone, whereby the complex material does not have a layer that is made of cardboard-type material to the right of the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Francois BERTHAULT
  • Patent number: 7482560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Golden, David C. Schiltz, Jim E. Bunds
  • Publication number: 20090022857
    Abstract: A microwavable vacuum-packed frozen sushi product comprising: a flexible microwave-safe plastic packing bag which is vacuumed to a pressure of 50 to 600 mmHg and, in the pressure-reduced state, hermetically sealed; an open-topped plastic box placed in said packing bag; and a sushi product placed in said box; said vacuum-packed frozen sushi product being such that a space is formed in said packing bag in the pressure-reduced state around said sushi product and the space has, in total, a volume 0.1 to 0.7 times that of said sushi product; an inner surface of said packing bag is in contact with an upper surface of said sushi product; and said packing bag, said box and said sushi product are frozen together in a unified form. Water vapor generated during thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed between the sushi material and the box and the packing bag to heat a rice section and a material or materials, thereby providing the sushi product with diminished unevenness in temperature distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Yuji Ishino, Hironobu Kadoya
  • Patent number: 7456376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Francois Berthault
  • Publication number: 20080268106
    Abstract: A microwaveable popcorn bag arrangement is provided. The bag includes a multi-ply construction, wherein one or more of the plies, comprises non-fluorocarbon treated paper. A preferred two-ply arrangement is provided, with a preferred porosity of non-fluorocarbon treated paper used as the inner and outer ply. Techniques of folding the bag arrangement providing a desirable configuration, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Conagra Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Craig Jackson, Denise Ellen Hanson, James W. Montealegre, Lance Bernard Schilmoeller
  • Patent number: 7435436
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn product is provided. The popcorn product includes a package having a popcorn composition therein, the popcorn composition including popcorn kernels, an oil/fat component that can be trans-fat free or low-trans fat, and optional ingredients such as flavorants. At least a portion of the popcorn composition is retained within an internal containment package within the package. The containment package provides containment of any liquid or non-solid components of the popcorn composition. A burst facilitator can be used with the containment pouch; usually, this burst facilitator is water or other form of moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods PDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Bernard Schilmoeller, Matthew Adam Roth, Deborah Lynn Christensen
  • Publication number: 20080175959
    Abstract: A microwavable food product includes a susceptor and a foodstuff. The foodstuff is positioned on the susceptor in an open-faced configuration. The susceptor includes at least one fold positioned at an intermediate region of the foodstuff for allowing the foodstuff to be folded from the open-faced configuration to a closed-faced configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: CONAGRA FOODS, INC.
    Inventors: Rodney Hill, Richard Charpentier, Bradley Erickson Heath, Melissa Kay Patterson
  • Publication number: 20080166457
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is provided. The preferred package includes a flexible bag construction reinforced with a sidewall construction. The package is such that the flexible bag construction and the sidewall construction are selectively expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: CONAGRA FOODS RDM, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, Paul John Warosh
  • Patent number: 7364762
    Abstract: Food heating method and apparatus using containing means, e.g., a pre-formed container 1, such as a relatively flat pouch or envelope comprising at least one panel made of flexible multilayer film with layers 3 and 5 of Perfluoralkoxy (PFA) and Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), respectively, on a core layer 3 of Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). A sandwich or other foodstuff 23, baked beans or french fries, for example, “chips” or “frites”, can be heated by being inserted in the containing means which is then heated by a radiant heat applying device, such as an electric bread toaster. The containing means can be wholly of the multilayer film. The containing means can be in the form of an open bag, which is reusable, or it can be a closed bag sold with the food therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Guy Darell Unwin
  • Publication number: 20080075815
    Abstract: A popcorn container funnel cap including a mounting flange to engage under the bead of a popcorn container and including a longitudinally projecting open sided spout converging to a reduced in cross section mouth large enough for free flow of popcorn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney K. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20080038413
    Abstract: A bag for containing food, such as popcorn, or the like, has a cleansing wipe thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Shane R. Northrop
  • Publication number: 20080014314
    Abstract: A popcorn container funnel cap including a mounting flange to engage under the bead of a popcorn container and including a longitudinally projecting open sided spout converging to a reduced in cross section mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney K. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7319213
    Abstract: Indentation patterns in microwave packaging materials can enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food. The indentation patterns can 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 can 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 can 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra M. Tsontzidis, Laurence M. C. Lai, Neilson Zeng
  • Publication number: 20070196543
    Abstract: A food storage apparatus to sterilize bacteria living in food and a method of controlling the same. The method includes starting an ordered fermentation (maturing) operation in response to a user's input including setting of a target degree of fermentation, detecting a present degree of fermentation of food stored in a storage container, and applying electric energy to the food stored in the storage container if the present degree of fermentation of the food reaches the target degree of fermentation set by the user, to sterilize fermentation fungi, and consequently, to restrict further fermentation of the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hye Ran Lee, Jae Seung Lee, Kyung Hee Hahm, Young Shik Shin, Jung Soo Lim, Joo Young Ha, Chang Hak Lim
  • Patent number: 7240796
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for venting pressurized gases generated from within an enclosed package during a heating of the package. The valve assembly has a membrane element, a tubular body and a retaining member. The tubular body has an open end, a closed end and a recess defined therebetween. The closed end has an aperture for venting the pressurized gases therethrough. The recess is operative to receive and support the membrane element adjacent the closed end. The retaining member is operative for snap-fit engagement with the tubular body for retaining the membrane element within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: PPi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 7205517
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Eui Hoh
  • Patent number: 7172780
    Abstract: The food packaging is utilized for pressure cooking of food in a microwave with a pressure relief valve being attached to a top wall of the packaging with the relief valve also providing an access opening into the packaging for addition of liquids and other ingredients prior to cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Vivian A. Skaife Trust, c/o Margaret Skaife, Trustee
    Inventor: William A. Skaife
  • Patent number: 7163967
    Abstract: A method of increasing the gas transmission rate of a packaging film comprises providing a packaging film that comprises at least about 0.001 weight % of single-walled carbon nanotube material based on the weight of the film. The packaging film is exposed to an amount of radiation energy effective to increase the oxygen transmission rate of the packaging film by at least about 100 cc (STP)/m2. day (1 atm, 0% RH, 23° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Grah, Marvin R. Havens
  • Patent number: 7067781
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Wausau Paper Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Trochlil
  • Patent number: 7045190
    Abstract: A packaging material is provided that can provide a packaging bag or container cover in which the contents is shielded from the atmosphere and tightly sealed, a small hole is formed in the appropriate locations, without special processing of the heat seal portion, and the internal pressure is maintained with high stability at a level above the normal pressure. The packaging material is suitable, for example, for heating in a microwave oven. The packaging material uses a film in which a heat sealing agent (4) with a low melting point is applied to a prescribed zone of an oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin, a cutting line (5) is cut in the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin in the form of a solid or broken line passing through the zone coated with the heat sealing agent (4), and a cast film (3) made of a synthetic resin and having heat sealing properties is affixed to the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin. Such film is used for a packaging bag (1) or a container cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Plast Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Inagaki, Sakaru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7038182
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Robert C. Young, Johan Kools
  • Patent number: 7022359
    Abstract: It comprises an inner wrapper which contains the food product, an outer package of plastic material which encloses said inner wrapper, a layer of a heat-concentrating material, arranged adjacent the inner wrapper, and a substrate attached to an outer face of said outer package. The layer of heat-concentrating material causes the opening of the outer package by melting a portion thereof, during heating of the assembly in a microwave oven, and the substrate prevents the outer package from sticking to the base of the oven. There can also be a sheet of insulating material between the inner wrapper and the outer package. Handling operations are reduced and the protection and optimum degree of humidity are maintained until the time the product is put in the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Antonio Montserrate Gibernau
  • Patent number: 7019271
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Terrence P. Lafferty, Richard G. Robison, Lorin R. Cole, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 6960748
    Abstract: A collapsible cooking container formed from a generally, rectangularly shaped paperboard blank folded along crease lines so as to have a bottom portion, a first side portion, a top portion, and a second side portion wherein the top portion and the first side portion are adapted to be attached to form a cube having opposed, open sides. The opposed, open sides are substantially covered when the collapsible cooking container is in an expanded condition by segments provided to the bottom portion, first and second side portions, and top portion that cooperate to form first and second collapsible sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Baker
  • Patent number: 6926951
    Abstract: A laminate for gum packaging is defined. The laminate includes a metal layer, a polymer layer, a paper layer, and an electron beam cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for gum packaging. However, the laminate has “reacted-in” slip agents in the electron beam cured coating, thereby avoiding the common problems of slip agent migration. Further, the laminate of the invention is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, Don McArthur
  • Patent number: 6919547
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra M. Tsontzidis, Laurence M. C. Lai, Neilson Zeng
  • Patent number: 6896919
    Abstract: A frozen food product which includes a raw protein portion, a raw or an only partially cooked or blanched vegetable portion and a sauce, contained in a sealed cooking pouch made primarily of paper and a susceptor layer, preferably aluminum, which may be placed in an oven or microwave oven so as to cook the contents of the cooking pouch. The raw protein product is preferably one of fish, beef, poultry, pork or veal. The vegetables are raw or blanched vegetables such as julienne peppers, celery, carrots, onions, zucchini or broccoli. The blanched vegetables are only partially cooked so that the time remaining to complete cooking of the vegetables is approximately the same as the time required to cook the raw protein portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Food Talk, Inc.
    Inventor: Leah Kay Wright
  • Patent number: 6893672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer polymeric film structure and a food package made therefrom. Specifically, the present invention relates to a seven-layer non-EVOH structure having six layers of alternating nylon and adhesive, and a seventh layer of a heat sealable polymer. Either the sixth layer comprising the adhesive or the seventh layer comprising the heat sealable polymer may further comprise a polymer, preferably polybutylene, polypropylene and/or high density polyethylene, that may allow the film structure to be easily peelable when heat sealed. Moreover, the present invention relates to food packages made by the film structures having a easy-open peelable seal component contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventor: Brian Ingraham
  • Patent number: 6884978
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal J Monforton, Dawn Falasz
  • Patent number: 6844536
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Marco Polo Foods
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Halimi, Ghilhem Du Repaire
  • Publication number: 20040247749
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealed packaged wine product in a single serve container. The packaged wine product includes an oxygen barrier container, a volume of wine disposed within the oxygen barrier container, and a volume of one or more gases within the oxygen barrier container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Snapdragon
    Inventors: Michael L. Lambert, Lori Evans Bartman
  • Publication number: 20040247750
    Abstract: A method and means for enhancing the inner environment of a package containing perishable merchandise include taking a closable package containing perishable merchandise and placing in the package a multi-layered sheet including a plurality of layers comprised of moisture absorbing materials to absorb any residual moisture emanating from the perishable merchandise. The multi-layered sheet includes a quantity of CO2 generating material incorporated therein. The CO2 generating material is exposable to humidity and any residual moisture within the package and any moisture absorbing material to allow the CO2 generating material to emit an atmosphere of CO2 within the package from exposure to moisture within the air in the package, and to absorb any residual moisture in the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: CO2 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Finnegan, Wesley L. Boldt