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

Abstract: A microwavable package includes a base to support a food product, an active microwave energy heating element is on the base to effect heating of the food product upon impingement by microwave energy. A cover spaced from and separate to the active microwave energy heating element overlies the food product. The cover includes microwave energy interactive material extending substantially over the food product and at least one layer of suscepting material interposed between the food product and the microwave energy interactive material. A plurality of apertures are formed in the microwave energy interactive material and are spaced apart about a peripheral margin of the cover. The apertures are sized to promote localized fields to enhance the at least one layer of suscepting material and promote browning of the food product when exposed to incident microwave energy.

Abstract: A hand-held food package is provided which enables heterogeneous foods, such as filled pastas, burritos, and the like, to be shipped, stored and heated in the same disposable package from which they are extruded for direct consumption by the consumer without utensils.

Abstract: A microwavabel pasta pie (10) and pan (32) assembly, includes a shell (12) formed by grid-shaped walls (16) integrally formed within an outer wall (18) to thereby define a plurality of vertical, open through passages (14). The shell (12) is supported upon a pie plate (32) having a planar bottom (34) which closes the bottom face (20) of the shell (12) and of the passages (14). A filling (38) is located within and retained by the passages (14) and the pie plate (32), and a topping (40) such as powdered cheese is provided on the filling (38). The pasta pie (10) is frozen inside of a plastic bag (42). In the most preferred form, the pasta pie (10) is cooked in a microwave oven, with the pie plate (32) being disposable and utilized during microwave cooking as well as during serving and consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a microwavable package for a food product. The package comprises a base with an active microwave energy heating element to support the food product. The active microwave heating element comprises energy collecting resonant loops, tuned structures, and transmission lines to collect incident microwave energy and redirect it to other parts of the food product. The microwave package also includes a cover comprising a microwave energy interactive layer including one or more apertures within the cover. The apertures promote localized fields to promote browning of the food product in the local areas around the apertures. The cover may also comprise a susceptor layer that is heated in localized areas around the apertures due to the fields promoted by the apertures and impingement by incident microwaves energy through the apertures, thereby providing localized browning of the food product.

Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A food package and method of controlling heating of a foodstuff within the food package using microwave energy wherein the food package has a microwave shielding layer containing a plurality of apertures therein sized to permit penetration of evanescent microwave energy into the interior of the package with the microwave shielding layer being moved outward as the package expands due to generation of water vapor such that an interior volume of the package is subsequently protected against substantial microwave irradiation of the foodstuff upon and beyond completion of the microwave heating cycle.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the technical field of culinary arts. It includes an amusing way of presenting a novelty item such as a figurine or other promotional or warning message during the heating of a microwave food package which may also serve as a food ready indicator. It may be used as a retrofit to a food package or integrated into a food package.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn article comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein including kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a calcium ingredient to provide a total calcium content of about 360 to 3600 mg per 100 grams of unpopped popcorn is provided. The salt ingredient includes at least a portion in coarse form having a particle size larger than 250 microns. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein some of the salt and/or calcium ingredient is added to the fat, while the balance of the salt is added in particulate form in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.

Abstract: Sealed packages of foodstuffs which are biological materials, particularly fruit, are vented by a temperature-sensitive control unit. The control unit covers an aperture in a wall of the package. The control unit includes a barrier member which is secured over the aperture by a layer of temperature sensitive adhesive, and a force member which lifts the barrier member away from the aperture when an increase in temperature weakens the adhesive. The force member is preferably elastically deformed.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes repeated sets of metallic foil or high optical density evaporated material segments disposed on a substrate. Each set of metallic segments is arranged to define a perimeter having a length equal to a predetermined ratio of the operating, or effective wavelength of a microwave oven. The repeated sets of segments act both as a shield to microwave energy and as focusing elements for microwave energy when used in conjunction with food products yet remaining electrically safe in the absence of the food products.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.

Abstract: A microwave heating material is formed of a micromesh conductive coating on a substrate. The micromesh includes a plurality of closely spaced, fine lines of a conductive material such as aluminum. The conductive material may have a resistivity of about 1-50 &OHgr;/□. The microwave heating material may include electrically and physically discontinuous islands of micromesh, each of which may optionally be connected to another only by a susceptor fuse region. The microwave heating material is laminated to a supporting material which may be incorporated into wraps, bags, boxes, trays, and other food containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steamable pouch meal for preparation, e.g., in a microwave oven. The pouch meal comprises i) a plurality of frozen food pieces comprising at least two different types of food and, optionally, a quantity of frozen sauce or liquid seasoning, and ii) a pouch containing the frozen food pieces, the pouch at least partially comprised of a mesh material, the mesh material adapted to permit a first portion of steam produced upon heating the pouch and its contents to escape from the pouch while maintaining a second portion of steam within the pouch to create a steam environment therein for heating the food pieces. The mesh material additionally serves to retain sauce or liquid seasoning and juice from the food pieces within the pouch.

Abstract: A molding tube for the production of a bread product formed around a skewer (37). The skewer (37) is used in piercing ingredients used for flavor. The skewer (37) then organizes where chosen ingredient flavors will appear in the final food product. The skewer (37) may also used as a utensil in eating the final food product. One embodiment of the invention is the replacement of skewer (37) with a assembly consisting of a store bought candy stick (50) which has been connected to a pointed portion (43) via a post (66) and a pointed end (79). All embodiments of the present invention require support for skewer (37). The support may come from an insert (56) located in the uppermost opening of molding tube (61). The insert (56) has a fossa (57) or a plurality of fossa (57). Skewer (37) is supported by inserting skewer (37) into a compatible fossa (57). The insert (56) also has a vent (45) or a plurality of vent (45) which allow expanding gases to escape molding tube (61) during cooking.

Abstract: A microwavable pizza product and a package combination is disclosed herein. The package combination includes a pizza crust having a semi-circular shape and a pizza topping is deposited on top of the crust. The topped pizza crust is packaged with a microwave susceptor member under the bottom of the crust, and a support member under the susceptor member. A plastic film encloses the pizza product, susceptor member and support member, and the entire package is enclosed in a carton.

Abstract: A microwavable container includes an outer sleeve (12) and an inner tray (14) within the sleeve designed to carry a food product. A first active microwave energy heating element (28) is on the sleeve and disposed opposite the tray. A second active microwave energy heating element (74-102) is within the tray. The second microwave energy heating element has patterns of microwave energy interactive material on the bottom (60) and side walls (62) of the tray configured to permit a controlled degree of penetration of incident microwave energy through the bottom wall to channel microwave energy towards a central region of the tray and to promote browning of a food product carried by the tray about its periphery.

Abstract: A food storage and preparation bag at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by a periphery and a closure for sealing the opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed container. The opening defines an opening plane and the sheet material includes a first region and a second region being comprised of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a substantially molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the sheet material is subjected to an applied elongation along at least one axis. The first region and the second region are visually distinct from one another, wherein the second region includes a plurality of raised rib-like elements and the first region is substantially free of rib-like elements.

Abstract: Microwaveable heat retentive receptacles comprising a volume for receiving a product, in heat exchange communication with a microwave absorbing material, wherein the microwave absorbing material preferably comprises polyesters. Pouches containing the microwave absorbing material are also provided which can be associated with containers to provide improved heat storage characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention involves a microwave popcorn bag adapted to contain a plurality of popcorn kernels to be heated and popped within an interior region of the bag by the application of microwave energy. The microwave popcorn bag is formed from a sheet of material comprising: a first paper stock layer having a top edge and a bottom edge; a second paper stock layer disposed over said first paper stock layer; a carrying layer disposed between said first and second paper stock layer, said carrying layer continuously extending between said top and bottom edges; and a microwave susceptor region disposed on the carrying layer. A top seal portion and a bottom seal portion are disposed proximate the respective top and bottom edges.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn package including a container having a bottom wall, an open top and a tapered side wall extending from the bottom wall to the open top. The package also includes a variety of lids including a lid which has a substantially planar center portion. The lid is positioned within the container between the bottom wall and the open top to define a popcorn receiving region and to provide a support for the stacking of a plurality of containers. The invention further includes a pouch positioning collar and a method of making and assembling the above package.

Abstract: A tenderizer for microwave-reheatable baked products, which is added to doughs to make fully or partially baked products, contains at least the following ingredients: fat, proteins selected from the group of soy and egg proteins, and methylcellulose. The tenderizer prevents the baked products from becoming tough or chewy upon microwave-reheating.

Abstract: A microwave energy heating element has a plurality of spaced microwave components generally arranged in a closed loop pattern. Each of the microwave components (42, 44) has a non-resonant length. When the heating element is in a loaded condition with a load juxtaposed thereto for capacitively coupling the microwave components together, the microwave components cooperatively redistribute impinging microwave energy. When the heating element is in an unloaded condition, the microwave components act independently remaining inert to impinging microwave energy.

Abstract: A partially-shielded paperboard tray for heating food in a microwave oven is made from a unitary blank having two sections hingedly joined at a common edge. One section, which forms the bottom stratum of the tray, has a layer of aluminum foil for shielding food along the peripheral wall of the tray from microwave radiation, but the section also has a large aperture to allow the radiation to heat the center of food placed over the aperture. The other section of the blank, which forms the top stratum of the tray, is transparent to microwave radiation and provides an imperforate food-contact surface for retaining food in the tray.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by means of a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof; and methods of making the same are described, including the making of a roll from which said bags can be made.

Abstract: An expandable microwave popcorn package which contains a charge of popcorn kernels suitable for preparation in a microwave oven. The package is formed of front and back panels preferably joined together at the top and bottom ends and at the sides by side panels. The back panel includes two or more sections which are joined along slightly overlapping edges and bonded together by a releasable adhesive, thereby forming lap seam(s). Conversion of the package into a serving vessel is made possible by the releasable nature of the adhesive which allows the lap seam(s) to be disengaged after the popping process is complete. Thus the back panel sections can be detached, and possibly removed, to expose the popcorn within the package. Ideally the heat and steam created by the popping process will diminish the bonding strength of the releasable adhesive thereby enhancing the conversion.

Abstract: A film sheet having a pressure valve portion with one or more holes passing partially through the sheet film on one side of the sheet film, and a thin portion covering each of the one or more holes. The thin portion is preferably constructed to rupture when a predetermined maximum sustainable pressure differential is applied across the sheet film. In one embodiment, sheet film has a first film layer; and a second film layer, having one or more through holes, laminated to the first film layer. In another embodiment, the sheet film has a first film layer, a second film layer having one or more through holes, and a third film layer having one or more through holes, wherein the second film layer is laminated on one side of the first film layer, and the third film layer is laminated on the other side of the first film layer so that the one or more through holes of the second film layer are aligned with the one or more through holes of the third film layer.

Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28). In another preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an access opening closed by a closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) including the peelable closure seal portion (40a) to the first portion (22d). In still another preferred form, the bottom and top walls (20, 22) are interconnected together by their interconnection to gussetted side panels (50, 52), with the peelable closure seal being formed in the interconnection between the bottom and top walls (20, 22).

Abstract: A food package having a built-in aroma. The package includes a food compartment and an aromatized substrate comprising a heat sensitive sealant which captures the aroma. The aromatized substrate is effective to preserve the aroma during freezing, refrigeration, and ambient storage, and is capable of releasing the aroma when the package with the food in the food compartment is heated in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A food container and its method of use are disclosed. The food container includes a top panel, bottom panel and plurality of sidewalls. A movable panel is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, allowing a consumer to open the container. Attached to the lower edge of the movable panel is a shelf supporting a food item. A consumer can access the food item by opening the movable panel, which causes the shelf to carry the food item outside the container into a position that permits the consumer to easily manipulate it. The food item or a portion thereof can then be replaced in the container by simply closing the movable panel. The shelf may engage one or more sidewalls of the bottom panel to assist in maintaining the container in a closed position after initial opening and reclosing. The container is suitable for packaging food items that include both microwaveable and non-microwaveable ingredients. A foldable blank for manufacturing the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable microwave popcorn package which contains a charge of popcorn kernels for preparation in a microwave oven. The package is formed of front and back panels preferably joined together at the top and bottom ends by an adhesive and at the sides by side panels. The back panel includes a pair of separation lines along which the package material is relatively weak such that a portion of the back panel can be torn from the remainder of the package to expose the popcorn within. Separation lines may be formed by weakening a portion of the bag substrate, by reinforcing the adjacent areas, or by a combination of the two. Side panels are folded to form gussets which allow the package to remain flat during storage, to expand to accommodate the popped kernels. A susceptor is also preferably placed on the front panel opposite the back panel to enhance the popping action.

Abstract: A microwaveable bag having stand-up wide mouth features is provided. The microwaveable bag can be used in constructions including a microwave popcorn charge therein. The preferred construction is folded from a single sheet, preferably a multi-ply construction having a microwave interactive arrangement positioned between the two plies. After popping, the arrangement forms a self supporting bag with an open mouth for ease of access to popped popcorn.

Abstract: A microwave cooking system is provided for cooking a food product in a microwave field to produce a food product with a texture and taste similar in quality to food products prepared in a conventional oven. The system utilizes a microwaveable tray comprising a microwave susceptor material laminated to a thin paperboard sheet for supporting and heating a food product to be cooked thereon. A single sheet corrugated plate is attached to a lower surface of the microwaveable tray in order to provide space beneath the microwaveable tray for the circulation of heated air. The tray containing the food product thereon is sealed in a polymer bag having microwave shielding material on the inner surface of the upper side of the sealed polymer bag for minimizing the amount of direct microwave transmission contacting the food product contained therein. The sealed polymer bag has a pressure regulation port for releasing and maintaining pressure which builds inside the sealed polymer bag during cooking.

Abstract: Pizza pan shielding systems and methods generally include one or more of the following: a pan, a bottom shield, a top shield, and a ring shield. Each of these elements preferably incorporates a plurality of perforations. The size, location and density of these perforations, and/or the material make-up of the element(s), determine whether certain types of baking energy from various heat sources will reach a food item located within the system. Substantial evenness of cooking results, in a short time period and at reasonably baking temperatures. Embodiments of the invention address the problems of underbaking in central areas of the food item and overbaking, dryness, microwave-induced toughness or burning of outer areas of the food item, such as a crust area. Embodiments of the invention have particular, though not exclusive, application to the pizza-baking devices and methods.

Abstract: A bag for popping popcorn in a microwave oven has substantially rectangular front and back walls and gusseted side walls joining the opposite side edges of the front and back walls. The gusseted side walls each has a medial gusset fold, defining a pair of gusset panels joined along longitudinal folds to the adjacent side edges of the respective front and back walls. When the bag is folded flat, the gusset panels and medial gusset folds lie between the front and back walls, with the medial gusset folds of the opposite gusseted side walls normally spaced from one another. Transverse bands of adhesive extend across the top and bottom ends of the bag interior surface to adhesively attach the gusset panels to the respective front and back walls, forming bag end closures.

Abstract: A bag for storing and dispensing a food product (e.g., a microwavable popcorn bag, potato chip bag, etc.) includes an improved product access opening. In particular, the bag comprises at least a first gusset on some surface of the bag, the gusset comprising at least two gusset panels and a product access opening ("gusset opening") between the two panels. The gusset opening may be sealed by a number of different methods and mechanisms, e.g., an adhesive, a pull-tab, a perforation, or any other suitable seal which keeps the bag sealed and, further, allows a user easily to unseal the opening to access the food product inside the bag. The gusset opening may be incorporated into many types of food bags, including both microwavable and non-microwavable food bags. If the gusset opening is incorporated into a microwavable food bag (e.g., a popcorn bag), the bag expands in a microwave during cooking and causes the gusset to unfold.

Abstract: A package for storing oxygen sensitive goods includes a first web in the form of a tray which may include flanges, a valve or valves, carbon dioxide, a good or goods, such as red meat or other oxygen sensitive food and non-food products and a second web sealed to the tray in the form of a gas impermeable film to which has been fitted a one-way valve. The pressure within the package increases as a gaseous modified atmosphere is introduced through the one-way valve in the tray. The oxygen within the barrier bag is forced out of the one-way valve located on the film. A vacuum applied to the one-way valve on the film facilitates the removal of oxygen. Additionally, the atmosphere within the bag can be monitored by locating sensors within the gas stream leaving the one-way valve in the film as it leaves the interior of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in microwave ovens to heat the exterior peripheries of food items to temperatures such that moisture is evaporated from the outer regions of the food items which are adjacent to the exterior peripheries. The apparatus includes an enclosure which is permeable to microwave energy and which defines a sealed interior cavity in which an inert gas is disposed. The inert gas is of the type that will be energized to generate radiant heat when exposed to the microwave energy of a conventional microwave oven. The enclosure defines an exterior heating surface which is placed adjacent to and transfers the heat from the inert gas directly to the peripheries of the food items. The apparatus preferably further includes a second enclosure having a second heating surface for disposing adjacent to a second side of the periphery of the food item, opposite that of the first enclosure and first heating surface. A drip pan is provided for catching drippings from the food item being grilled.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing lowfat and reduced fat popcorn microwave popcorn articles using cold kernel popcorn (60.degree. F.) such as from winter storage. The methods employ low levels (1% to 20%) of an oil ingredient having a melting point of .ltoreq.60.degree. F. to minimize the congealing of the oil by and onto the cold kernel popcorn thereby providing a more pliable bag, which does not jam in the filling equipment. The microwave popcorn articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, 1% to 20% oil, and 0% to 4% salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a calcium ingredient to provide a total calcium content of about 360 to 3600 mg per 100 grams of unpopped popcorn. Preferably the salt and calcium ingredients are essentially characterized by having a mean particle size of less than 25 .mu.m. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein some of the salt and/or calcium ingredient is added to the fat slurry while the balance is added in particulate form in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn product is provided. The product includes a flexible expandable bag having a charge of unpopped popcorn and oil/fat-containing slurry therein. The oil/fat-containing slurry includes a solid oil component and a liquid oil component. Preferred products may be blended to have advantageous nutritional characteristics.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn package including a container having a bottom wall, an open top and a tapered side wall extending from the bottom wall to the open top. The package also includes a substantially planar lid positioned within the container between the bottom wall and the open top to define a popcorn receiving region and to provide a support for the stacking of a plurality of containers. The invention also relates to a method of making and assembling the above container.

Abstract: A metal container which can be utilized in a microwave oven has an interior and an exterior defined by a bottom and at least one side wall. Each side wall has a height which does not exceed 40 percent of the wavelength of the microwave radiation. The container is adapted to receive an object into its interior through an open top. Microwave-transparent electrical insulation is disposed on each side wall and on that part of the bottom which would, in the absence of insulation, contact the floor of the oven. This microwave transparent electrical insulation may be a coating on the metal, a label, or a sleeve placed around the container. A microwave transparent, electrically-insulating cap is removably disposed at the top of the container. The top of the container also may have a removable seal disposed thereon. Also, a method for storing an object, then subjecting the object to microwave radiation comprising first placing the object in the removably sealed metal container.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions. The reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions. The top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28).

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof to form a package. In another embodiment, a package suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a cold seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof. Methods for making bags and packages including methods for making rolls from which bags and packages may be made.

Abstract: A package for heating a plurality of substantially upright, in-line food items in a toaster having a trough, handle, and retainer. The trough provides support for bottom end of food items and for catching by-products when the package is used in a toaster. The handle is connected to the trough. The retainer is connected to the handle above the trough. The retainer provides support for upper end of food items. The retainer has an opening through which upper ends of the plurality of food items extend. The retainer and the handle are oriented such that the upright plane of the edges of the retainer and the handle are substantially parallel to the plane of a radiant heat source in the toaster. The retainer and the handle subject to radiant heat from the heat source are thin enough to minimize the amount of radiant heat absorbed by the retainer and the handle while maximizing the percent area of the food items exposed to the radiant heat source.