Abstract: A container apparatus for use in filling, storing, shipping and cooking various types of food wherein the container apparatus facilitates and maintains the positioning of the food in a substantially restricted predetermined location within the apparatus. The container apparatus includes a bag having a front and back panel, a first and second gusseted side panel and an interior region. Bag panel attachment elements are positioned between a portion of the back panel means and an adjacent portion of the gusseted side panels preliminarily to filling, so as to maintain the back flaps of the gusseted side panels against the back panel during such filling, as well as during storing, shipping and cooking of the food. The bag panel attachment elements further serve to operably segregate and maintain the food in a predetermined portion of the interior region so that the food does not inadvertently migrate between the gussets and the back panel during filling.

Abstract: A container constituted of a microwave transparent material for the heating or cooking of foods or comestibles through the intermediary of microwaves at a high degree of efficiency and with an enhanced temperature uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulating microwave heating package with a multiplicity of latent, uninflated or potential insulation chambers capable of inflating when exposed to microwave energy. The package includes at least two superimposed inner and outer pieces of flexible sheet material bonded together at selected points, patches or along seal lines separated by unsealed areas which define side-by-side unfilled, i.e., potential, inflation chambers between the lines, patches or points. Upon exposure to microwave energy, the package and its contents become heated. As a result of this heating process, the unfilled chambers also become heated, causing them to become filled with hot expanding air or moisture vapor. These chambers serve as insulation for the package and enhance heating of the food by reducing heat loss from the package.

Abstract: A single use combined shipping display and cooking microwave package is provided for heating a plurality of food pieces in a microwave oven. The packaging includes a microwave transparent enclosure which has a top panel and a bottom panel. Located adjacent to and generally coextensive with the bottom panel is a microwave susceptor. Preferably this microwave susceptor is a thin film susceptor. A spacer overlays the thin film susceptor and is also generally coextensive with the bottom panel. The spacer is adapted to hold the food pieces a predetermined distance away from this susceptor. In addition, the spacer has a plurality of apertures therein which allows the heat from the microwave susceptor to pass through to the food pieces. A similar arrangement is applicable to the top panel. A top panel microwave susceptor is located adjacent to and generally coextensive with the top panel and a top panel spacer is located adjacent to the top panel susceptor and generally coextensive with the top panel.

Abstract: A microwave utensil for heating two different foods having different microwave absorbing properties allows the foods to be heated simultaneously without overheating one of the foods. The utensil includes a lower vessel to receive a first food and a second vessel which is nested within the first vessel to displace a portion of the first food item. A second food item is placed in the second vessel such that the first food item shields the sides of the second food.

Abstract: A sealable square bottom container apparatus comprising one or more plies of sheet material. The square bottom of the container apparatus includes a continuous ring of sealable adhesive to form a substantially sift-proof bottom panel after articulation and sealing of the bottom of the container apparatus. Such a continuous ring forms a positive seal towards preventing the inadvertent migration or seepage of articles from within said container apparatus, particularly articles such as oils, steam, fluids and fine powder materials--without the need for an additional patch, sealing pastes or preliminary welds applied to the bottom of the container apparatus.

Abstract: A tray useful for the microwave cooking of prepared foodstuffs, particularly frozen foodstuffs, for consumption is structured to provide a more uniform heating of the foodstuff than has heretofore been possible. The tray comprises an outer layer formed of paperboard or molded plastic to which is laminated an inner polymeric film layer. A layer of microwave-reflective material, usually aluminum foil, is positioned between the outer and inner layers in the location of the peripheral wall of the tray and in a pattern in a portion of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor having projections such as linear ridges which define circulation channels such as linear grooves. The susceptor may include apertures at the ridge apexes and the groove nadirs for allowing food secretions such as grease and steam, to pass through the susceptor. A strut may be releasably coupled to the susceptor for increasing the structural integrity of the susceptor.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor package such as a food package is disclosed which contains a microwave reactive material comprising a support material and a microwave interactive coating on the support material. The support material is selected from microwave transparent and thermally stable substrates whereas the microwave interactive coating comprises metal particles in an ink-like substance that may be printed onto the substrate such as a portion of the substrate.

Abstract: In a popcorn package for microwave popping, the subsequent popping of popcorn by microwave energy is enhanced by the use of a layer of metallized ink printed on the bag of a popcorn package. The metallized ink contains powdered aluminum and is of a commercial grade but diluted to provide an opacity level of light transmission in the range of 47% to 10%, such layer lying below the charge of popcorn and shortening during popping. The material of the bag comprises a pair of plies with the layer of metallized ink being printed to one of the plies and disposed between the plies of the bag.

Abstract: For popping popcorn in a microwave oven, a flexible bag is provided which contains popcorn and includes a collapsible stand. The bag has upper and lower opposing face panels connected together by longitudinally extending, centrally projecting gussets that are integral with the face panels. Prior to popping, the gussets are folded between the upper and lower face panels of the bag. The panels and gussets are preferably formed from a pair of superimposed sheets of paper that are laminated together with adhesive. Popcorn is placed in the bag and the bag ends are sealed. A microwave heating susceptor of any suitable type is provided in the lower panel of the bag or elsewhere in the bag if desired. During popping of the popcorn kernels, the bag increases in size and the gussets expand outwardly as the bag becomes filled with popped kernels, hot vapor and steam.

Abstract: A composite material for efficient use in a microwave heating container and a container formed therefrom are described. The composite material includes a thermoplastic resin and a particulate dielectric material oriented therein so the container exhibits a dielectric constant within the range from about 5 to about 8 which is particularly useful for heating high moisture foods in microwave ovens. The particulate dielectric material includes particles having a dielectric constant within a range from about 5 to about 8 and a particle size within the range from about 1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: A piece of microwave-active tape which is odor-free and physiologically inert can be adhered to a food package and remains strongly adhered during cooking at temperatures of at least 200.degree. C. The tape has layers of microwave-active material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric .alpha.-olefin that has been cured to afford a "Peel Value" of at least 5 N/dm and a "Shrink Back" at 220.degree. C. of less than 5%. The tape can have a flexible backing such as a low-adhesion carrier web which can be stripped off from a piece of the tape that has been applied to a microwave food package, or when the backing is heat-resistant, it can be left in place.

Abstract: Composition comprising (a) susceptors having the capability of absorbing microwave energy, and (b) a matrix substantially non-reflective of microwave energy. The susceptors comprise a particulate substrate having a thin-film coating thereon. The particulate substrate is substantially non-reflective of microwave energy and the coating is capable of absorbing microwave energy. The matrix typically comprises polymeric or ceramic materials that are stable at temperatures conventionally used in microwave cooking. The composition allows reuse of the susceptors, eliminates decline in heating rate, eliminates arcing, allows the heating rate to be controlled, allows overheating to be controlled, and allows formation of microwave heatable composite materials having very low metal content.

Abstract: A perforated susceptor for use in disposable packaging that functions as the cooking container for a microwaveable food product such as popcorn. The susceptor includes a thin layer of microwave-interactive material, such as aluminum with an optical density of about 0.22 to 0.35. This layer is deposited on a substrate of a flexible plastic film. Perforations in the metallic layer are less than 0.060 inches in diameter, do not extend into the substrate, and are arrayed in rows and columns spaced at regular intervals of between 1/16 and 3/16 of an inch, so that the combined surface area of the perforations represents less than 20 percent of the area of the susceptor. The film can be directly bonded, through the perforations, to a sheet that forms part of a package.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn container for recreational use and a method of making and dispensing popcorn using the same. The microwave popcorn container has an outer casing substantially transparent to microwave radiation and resembles either a playball or novelty configuration having an interior space therein. When exposed to microwave radiation, corn kernels contained within the interior space of the outer casing burst into popcorn filling the outer casing. The microwave popcorn container may be used in a variety of recreational activities and when desired, popcorn can be dispensed therefrom and consumed. In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, microwave popcorn containers resembling an elongated football, a substantially spherical playball and a novelty turtle are disclosed.

Abstract: An enclosure for cooking and browning pot pies and similar food items in a microwave oven is disclosed. The enclosure has a first microwave reflective shield defining a single hole therein, and a susceptor layer positioned below the first reflective shield. A pan for containing a food item and having a susceptor lining for further cooking and browning the food item is located below the first reflective shield and susceptor layer. A second microwave reflective shield defining a single hole therein can be advantageously positioned below the pot pie pan. The arrangement of the reflective shields and the susceptor layer in connection with the pan provide for the selective cooking and browning of the food item to the desired degree. Another embodiment of the present invention includes having a reflective shield defining a single hole therein positioned below the pan, along with a susceptor layer above the pan.

Abstract: A thermocompensated susceptor laminate is described comprising a microwave transparent sheet, e.g., paper, paperboard or plastic, having two layers thereon. One layer is a microwave interactive susceptor layer, e.g., a dried dispersion comprising a film-forming vehicle together with microwave interactive particles such as metal, metal oxide, carbon or graphite that absorbs microwave energy to produce heat in a microwave oven. The second layer is an attenuator layer which includes electrically nonconductive thermocompensating particles of a mineral. One mineral attenuator is a hydrate containing bound water and having a dissociation temperature between about 100.degree. F. and 500.degree. F., at which temperature the bound water is released therefrom to prevent overheating of the laminate.

Abstract: A microwave heating element is described which permits a more uniform microwave cooking of a foodstuff to be achieved. The element comprises a layer of electroconductive material having circular openings formed therethrough and arranged in an array that generates thermal energy when exposed to microwave energy and adjacent a foodstuff. An antenna is provided in at least some of the openings to guide microwave energy to and through the openings. The electroconductive material layer usually is adhered to a paperboard layer with an overlying polymeric film layer.

Abstract: A layered microwave radiation absorber comprises an absorbing layer bound to one side of a conductive layer (such as a metallic plate or foil), and an adhesive layer bound on the other side of the conductive layer. The combination may be applied directly to the surface of any object, but especially to an existing conductive object coated with an nonconductive coating (such as paint) without removing the nonconductive coating from the surface. Several types of absorbing materials may be used, and other layers may be included. The absorber has superior resistance to delamination.

Abstract: A package for use in storing, vending and microwave cooking of food products. The package includes a double center wall which divides an interior food cavity into two food compartments. The center wall and the remaining interior surfaces of the container are coated with a microwave interactive layer thereby exposing an increased surface area of the food articles to the microwave interactive layers. Improved surface cooking, such as surface browning and crisping are achieved, as well as increased convenience in packaging and cooking.

Abstract: A microwave oven having browning means which includes a metal browning plate (10), the underside of which is provided with a layer (11) of a ferrite material. Via an input opening (6) for supplying microwaves to the oven cavity, polarized microwaves are propagated into a space provided under the browning plate. The browning plate is preferably of a circular shape and fitted to be carried by a rotating bottom plate (8) in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A packaging material according to the present invention includes an electret material having a surface part mutually different polarized electric charges on a front surface and a rear surface thereof. A method of packaging according to the present invention includes covering at least a portion of an object using the packaging material.

Abstract: The structure includes a layer of flexible electroconductive material normally opaque to microwave radiation and having a plurality of apertures therethrough dimensioned to permit microwave energy to pass through to the interior of the foodstuff and to produce thermal energy at the surface of the foodstuff. Both a microwave shielding effect and a combined microwave energy heating and thermal energy heating effect are obtained, enabling close control of the manner and extent of microwave cooking of the foodstuff to be obtained. The plurality of apertures comprises a first plurality of elongate discrete closed-end apertures and a second plurality of continuous apertures, each of which encloses a discrete rectangular island of the electroconductive material.

Abstract: A thermal napkin cozy for wrapping heated bread or food products for serving at a dining table. The cozy is formed of inner and outer fabric layers and an intermediate thermal insulating material comprising a heat reflecting, microwave transparent polyolefin layer, a polyester foam layer bonded to the heat reflecting layer and a polypropylene backing layer bonded to the foam. The inner and outer layers may be bonded to the thermal layer. Surface contact fasteners are provided on the napkin cozy on opposite corners for securing the cozy around the wrapped item. Food products, entrees, dinners, breads, biscuits, rolls, and the like may be wrapped in the napkin and heated in a microwave oven before serving.

Abstract: Means and method for heating loads with microwave energy, with the loads being located on a metal substrate or in a metal container. A layer of organic material is located on the outside surface of the container or substrate, the layer having microwave absorbing substances contained in a minimum thickness of the layer. The absorbing substances include both dielectric and magnetic components that provide useful power absorption, the amount of the dielectric component being effective to compress the wavelength of the microwave energy while simultaneously preserving useful impedance to the magnetic component of the energy. Useful power absorption within a range of minimum layer of thicknesses is obtained. The amounts of the dielectric and magnetic components, in addition, transport the heat generated within the layer to the metal container or substrate at rates sufficient to maintain internal temperature of the layer near that of the load.

Abstract: Easily removable press-on, pry-off closures having movable insert disks in an outer shell are disclosed. Pressing the shell upward to remove it from a container first pries a protrusion inside the shell over a snap rib around the container, then moves the shell upward relative to the disk while the later remains seated on the container, until a disk-lifting projection inside the shell engages the edge of the disk and lifts the disk to break the seal. A tamper evidencing band, if included, is broken before either the shell is pried off or the disk is lifted. The invention can be used in both top load and bottom load embodiments. Also disclosed is a closure with a non-movable disk or integral top and a tamper-evidencing band which is broken by pry-off removal of the closure. Still further, food packages which automatically open when heated in microwave ovens are disclosed. Vacuum-packed food packages having effective head spaces for reducing the times required to retort such packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: Shelf stable packaging films and packages which are microwaveable yet are substantially impermeable to gases and ultraviolet energy and selectively permeable to microwave energy are described. The films include a water vapor and oxygen barrier substrate having a first side upon which is deposited a metallic coating capable of selectively transmitting a portion of a microwave energy field through the substrate. The coating is formed in a plurality of discrete, microwave reflective areas separated by non-reflective gaps. The shape and spacing of the areas is varied so that the microwave energy transmission through non-coated areas of the barrier is sufficient to avoid arcing and heat the object but not cook the object. A food packaging system for storing and heating food by microwave energy, which includes the microwave barrier film of this invention, is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is suitable for use in a microwave oven. An artificial dielectric is located adjacent or within a food product cooking stack in the microwave oven. A support media supports the artificial dielectric in the cooking stack at a desired distance from the oven shelf. The artificial dielectric has properties suitable so that the cooking stack can be positioned in the microwave oven to achieve desired cooking performance.

Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane microwave susceptor for use in food packaging is disclosed. The susceptor comprises a substrate having at least one absorbing coating and at least one reflecting coating deposited thereon. Either one or both of the absorbing coating or the reflecting coating can be varied to control the amount of microwave energy reaching the absorbing coating, thereby controlling the overall amount of susceptor heating.

Abstract: A microwaveable package containing foodstuff is for direct placement with or without opening same, in a microwave oven so that the foodstuff can be microwave cooked. The foodstuff rests on a sheet of microwave receptor material and the package is designed so that there is an air space between the receptor material and the oven support table to prevent the table from acting as a heat sink to drain away heat generated by the receptor material during cooking.

Abstract: A combination of a frozen pizza of uncooked dough covered with a topping layer except for an outer sauce-free ring of dough and a microwave susceptor component enables the pizza to be cooked in a microwave oven so that the outer ring is brown and crisp. The microwave susceptor component can include one element which is either directly on or supported above the dough. The susceptor component also includes a susceptor sheet on which the pizza rests.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and process for cooking food therewithin, wherein the apparatus facilitates cooking of various types of food in cooking containers, in which at least minimal agitation of the food to be cooked is desired, and wherein the food, as well as the apparatus may be expandable during the cooking process. A food containment region is provided for acceptance of the food to be cooked prior to operably sealing the cooking container. Container positioning portions are operably associated with at least a section of the cooking container so as to temporarily maintain the cooking container in a vertically supported orientation after insertion of the apparatus within an oven.

Abstract: Food is contained in a container made from packing materials with an oxygen permeability of 200 ml/m.sup.2. 24Hr.multidot.atm, an oxygen absorber which has a microwave-proof layer with film thickness of 5-20 .mu.m on at least one side and also air-permeable packing material on at least one side, whose surface with the air-permeable packing meterial is permeable to air with a water vapor permeability of 10-3,000 g/m.sup.2. 24Hr.multidot.atm. The oxygen absorber packet is fixed in said container. Under these conditions, it becomes possible to perform both heat treatment and microwave treatment of the food contained therein.

Abstract: Packaging structures for the microwave cooking of foodstuffs are described which are formed from laminates which have an outer polymeric film layer, an outer support layer and a thin layer of electroconductive material between the outer layers of a thickness effective to produce thermal energy when exposed to microwave radiation. The laminate also incorporated one or more additional layers of material which result in differential degrees of heating being obtained from the thin layer of electroconductive material upon exposure of the packaging structure to microwave radiation. Specific examples of a pot pie dish and a pizza heating board are described.

Abstract: A far infrared ray radiating transparent resin composition is disclosed. The composition is composed of a transparent resin and a far infrared ray radiating ceramic material. The ceramic material which is added to the resin in the amount of 1-30 weight parts, has an SiO.sub.2 purity of over 96.0%, and an average particle diameter of 0.1-15 .mu.m. The resin composition according to the present invention not only radiates far infrared rays, but also maintains transparency at an acceptable level. Therefore it can be applied to various products where the both transparency and extended freshness of food are required.

Abstract: Paperboard packaging material for use in the manufacture of containers or inserts for containers for browning and crisping food in a microwave oven is prepared on a printing press. The components of the packaging material include paperboard or an equivalent microwave transparent substrate, a susceptor layer prepared from a printable aqueous susceptor-ink composition, and an intermediate coating applied to the paperboard substrate between the susceptor layer and the paperboard to provide a thermal barrier for the paperboard substrate. The thermal barrier layer may be coated or printed on the paperboard substrate as a substantially uniformly thick layer while the susceptor-ink layer may be pattern-printed on the substrate in varying thickness corresponding to the location of food intended to be packaged in containers prepared from the packaging material. The printed susceptor material is overprinted with a food contact coating.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microwavable food product package that has a container with a metal foil tray. The tray has a base, upstanding side and end walls and an outwardly extending upper rim on the walls with the walls being inclined outwardly from the base. A lid made of a material that shields the metal foil tray from microwaves overlies the tray. The lid includes a top panel and side and end panels with a top panel being supported by the upper rim of the tray walls and the panels of the lid being bent downwardly and inwardly about score lines. The height of the panels correspond substantially to the height of the tray so that when the lid rests on the tray rim the lower edges of the panels shield the metal foil tray from microwaves when the package is in a microwave oven such that no arcing occurs.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave energy conversion heat-generating material comprising zinc oxide whisker used as a heat-generating material. A heating container for an electronic oven, comprising the zinc oxide whiskers, and a microwave oven provided with a heat generator comprising the zinc oxide whiskers. The present electromagnetic wave energy conversion heat-generating material generates heat upon exposure to microwaves. In a preferred embodiment, the zinc oxide whiskers include a central part and needle crystal projections extending from the central part in plural, preferable four, different axial directions.

Abstract: Recesses are formed in the flat portion of a plate at a distance from the center thereof. Legs longer than the depth of the recesses are provided around the recesses. Both the plate and the legs are part of a one-piece member constituting a baking container. Dough is placed in each recess and the container is placed in the heating chamber of a microwave oven. In this state, the dough is heated with microwaves. Since the recesses are located at portions where microwaves are irradiated uniformly, the dough can be baked uniformly. Also, since the legs serve to support the recesses above the bottom of the cooking chamber of the oven, the heat generated at the bottom of the recesses can be effectively dissipated, thus preventing the dough from being locally heated strongly at these portions. This prevents hardening and discoloration of the dough at its bottom face.

Abstract: A microwave cooking bag, method, and system are disclosed in which a food product in the bag is cooked, browned and crisped in a microwave oven. The bag forms an enclosed cooking space which is substantially surrounded by a susceptor material layer. The susceptor material layer is heated during cooking by the microwave radiation to a temperature sufficient to brown and crisp the food product while the microwave radiation also directly heats and thereby cooks the food product. Both a five-sided bag and a four-sided, pouch-like bag are disclosed.

Abstract: A microwavable food product package comprises two separate parts: a bag in which the food is packaged, and an accessory which is placed over a face or wall of the bag. The accessory has a fully metalized surface with a pattern of metal free areas formed in the metallization. The pattern is formed to resemble the break-up or fretting of a continuous unbroken layer of metal when it is heated by microwave energy. The pattern may be formed as a plurality of rows of S's which criss-cross he accessory, or it may be a tight grid pattern of thin lines of unmetalized areas.

Abstract: A packaging system is disclosed which includes a susceptor that heats when exposed to microwave radiation, and which has a selective responsiveness to microwave radiation. The susceptor surface has a plurality of regions, where at least one region has an altered responsiveness to microwave radiation which is achieved by disruptions in the susceptor surface. A method for making regions of a susceptor selectively responsive to microwave heating by disrupting the continuity of the metallized film of the susceptor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer container suitable for use in microwave cooking of food comprising a substrate layer of a thermoplastic polymer that is not suitable for contact with foods or hot foods, and an inner protective layer designed to contact the food, said inner layer comprising a blend of a styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer and a polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, rubber modified polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, rubber modified polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A susceptor composite and related packaging devices employing the susceptor composite comprising a plurality of heat sealable layers is disclosed. The susceptor composite is adhesiveless and is used in food packages for heating and cooking food products in a microwave oven. In one preferred embodiment, a first substrate of amorphous polyester has a metallic microwave absorptive layer deposited on one of its surfaces. A dimensionally stable layer that includes a heat sealable material is heat sealed to at least one of the first substrate and microwave absorptive layer. The heat sealable film can be applied in a pattern and can also be applied using different heat-sealing temperatures to provide selective microwave absorption to the susceptor composite of the invention.

Abstract: A tub-shaped popcorn container has frusto-conical side walls to enable stacking and multiple packages, the walls of the tub provide a carrier for graphics. A pop bag containing liquid oil, seasoning and pop corn is carried in the bottom of the tub above a built-in heat susceptor, and a package lid may be provided which rises as the popcorn pops.

Abstract: A laminate structure useful for incorporating into a package structure for the microwave cooking of foodstuffs for consumption comprises an outer layer polymeric material, an outer layer of microwave transparent material, a grid layer having an electroconductive surface surrounding transmissive apertures located between the outer layers, and a thin layer of electroconductive material of sufficient thickness so that a portion of incident microwave energy is converted to thermal energy also located between the outer layers.

Abstract: A microwavable food product package comprises two separate parts: a container in which the food is packaged, and a sleeve which fits around the container. The sleeve includes selected areas upon which microwave interactive material (a metal layer) is printed. The sleeve is fitted over the food package such that the interactive material is in line with the food contained in the package. The metal layer, in line with the food, assists in the heating of the food.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for popping high yield popcorn using a bag having a substantially rectangular cross section as manufactured using a conventional bag machine. A base supports the bag on edge with at least one joining panel being inclined such as, for example, at 45.degree.. Whether the bag is initially unfolded or unfolds as a result of internal pressure caused by some kernels popping, a horizontal elongated V-shaped trough is formed as the lower-most region of the bag due to the supporting orientation of the base. Kernels form in a clump in the nadir of the trough thereby enhancing the yield of the popping, and kernels disturbed from the clump by popping kernels are directed back to the clump by the inclined walls of the bag.

Abstract: A shelf stable package for shipping and popping corn in a microwave oven comprising, a bowl formed of microwaveable plastic, transparent to microwave energy with a conical bottom, a charge comprising corn kernels and a shortening, which is solid at room temperature, said kernels having a moisture content of at least about 11.5 percent by weight, and a plastic swirl cover layer, said plastic swirl being in the form of a plurality of folds disposed in a spiral arrangement being transparent to microwave energy, and being expansible in response to internal steam pressure generated by popping of said corn kernels. A microwave transparent paperboard shell covers at least a portion of said bowl. A metallized barrier layer can overlay said plastic swirl bonnet cover layer and in turn a paperboard outer cover overlaying said metallized barrier layer.