Abstract: The disposable beverage brewing chamber is usable in a conventional coffee or other hot beverage brewing and dispensing machine and includes a preferably inverted frusto-conical or rectangular container fabricated of paper, paperboard or the like and having a closed bottom with central liquid beverage dispensing aperture therein; closed vertically collapsible sidewalls and an open top defining a central cavity therewith. The cavity contains a filter bag holding brewable ground coffee or tea leaves or shreds or coffee substitute, herbal tea or the like and is positioned against the bottom aperture. Peelable strips may seal the top and bottom aperture. The top includes a single peripheral slide guide rim in the case where the container has a round or oval top, and a pair of slide guide rims at opposite sides where the top is square or rectangular. The sidewalls are accordion pleated or telescopable.

Abstract: A package for use in a microwave oven is sealed at both of its ends. The package is transversely folded intermediate its ends to form a first compartment in which one food product is contained, such as kernels of corn to be popped, and a second compartment in which is contained a second food product, such as a flavoring component or additive. The fold in one face wall extends inwardly and the fold in the other face wall extends outwardly, the two folds being nested together. The sides of the package are pleated. Whereas the transverse sections forming the folds are secured together in one instance and secured to the other in another instance, the pleats of the other face wall are secured to the fold in the one face wall by adhesive spots.

Abstract: A collapsible package for use in surface heating of food by microwave energy comprises first and second sling enclosures. Each sling enclosure comprises a pair of parallel, opposed, substantially rectangular wall panels, the ends of which are joined by collapsible bridge panels. The bridge panels are movable between a collapsed position in which the wall panels lie against each other and an expanded position in which the wall panels are held in spaced relation to each other. The second sling enclosure is joined to the first sling enclosure at a center fold line between adjacent wall panels of said first and second sling enclosures. A generally rectangular strip of thin, flexible material capable of converting microwave energy into heat is affixed between the two opposed side walls of the first and second sling enclosures that are not connected at the center fold line. One of two opposed edges of said strip if affixed to each side wall.

Abstract: A microwavable package, comprising a folded package for use in holding a variety of cookable items, such as popcorn, other food products, or other substances, all to be heated within a microwave oven, the package being formed of a polymer material, comprising one or more liners of such laminated material, with the package being formed into the tubular configuration, and having a paper or paper-like web of material located and adhesively secured within its manufacturer's joint; the formed tubular like material is then folded at its bottom segments, adhered temporarily through the usage of a hot melt of other adhesive, and having a paper or paper like seal applied thereover, to form a fully integrated and foldable package which is capable of functioning and maintaining its structural integrity even when exposed to the energy of a microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave package for packaging a combination of products and ingredients, including a package formed as a bag and constructed of paper, polymer film, or the like, having collapsable gussets formed at each side, a first product chamber formed internally at a lower location of the package, at least a pair of heat seals formed upwardly of the bag, and one or more upper chambers formed therein for holding of seasoning and flavoring ingredients within said upper chambers, while a food product, or the like, to be cooked as arranged within the lower formed chamber, so that during microwaving, said seals are strategically broken due to generated heat and pressure to provide for a deposition of the flavoring onto the cooked or cooking food product to provide a readily servable food fully seasoned upon conclusion of its microwave cooking.

Abstract: A technique is described by which a predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee can be packaged into a container while the coffee density may vary within a range. The amount of ground coffee is supplied into a container along a feed path to fill the container and form a column that extends above the upper rim of the container. The ground coffee is compressed to a predetermined head level by compressing a region around the feed path while leaving a small column of uncompressed coffee. In another embodiment, the volume of the container is expanded during compression by outwardly deforming a container end. This enables the stiffening of the ground coffee to support a smooth unbeaded outer wall after vacuum packing without paneling effects.

Abstract: A packet containing a measured amount of coffee solids within a housing which acts as filter is described. The unit allows more efficient loading of high output coffee machines and facilitates cleanup. An optical feature is the provision of timed release flavoring.

Abstract: A sandwich wrapper is formed from a substantially rectangular sheet by providing a plurality of overlapping folds which are positioned into a substantially pleated arrangement. Two substantially parallel lines of adhesive, glue, or adhesive tape are used to attach spaced apart zones of the folded areas to each other. The dimensions of the sheet with respect to an article to be wrapped, spacing between the adhesive lines, and dimensions of the fold can be calculated to provide an efficient and cost-effective food wrapper.

Abstract: The impact strength of containers made from foams of aromatic olefins such as polystyrene and poly-(para-methylstyrene) is improved by the addition of a small amount e.g., 2 to 25 weight percent of a polyethylene such as linear low density polyethylene. Meat trays made of such foams can be processed in automatic packaging equipment and exhibit reduced damage, such as cracking, in processing.

Abstract: A coffee bag is provided and consists of a housing fabricated out of two sheets of water-permeable paper material heat sealed around its perimeter for holding a portion of very fine ground coffee therebetween for making an individual cup of coffee. In a modification the housing is cylindrical and expandable when inserted within hot water and contains a ground coffee agitating device built into the housing.

Abstract: A paper pouch for use in receiving newly popped corn from a hot-air type corn popper, for serving it and for storing the unused portion, folded into a paper base before use and, following unfolding, adapted to be attached to the discharge chute of a hot-air type corn popper, to receive the popped corn, and later, adapted through a series of perforations to have the upper part of the pouch removed to serve the popped corn.

Abstract: A package for an expandable food product and a method for manufacturing the same including an outer container, an expandable food pouch within the container and a coating on the inside surface of the container to adhere the pouch thereto when the package is exposed to a source of heat. A further embodiment of the package includes an expandable food pouch with a designed fault along its peripheral edge to facilitate the controlled release of pressure formed within the pouch.

Abstract: A disposable container is provided that has a semi-rigid generally concave body and a collapsible panel sealing an open mouth of the semi-rigid body. An access assembly is mounted to the outside surface of the semi-rigid body. Liquid sealed within the semi-rigid body by the collapsible panel is removed through the access assembly, during which removal the collapsible panel collapses to generally conform to the generally concaved shape of the body. Space efficient assemblies of these disposable containers are also provided.

Abstract: A paper bag is described comprising a pair of face panels, one of which may be narrower than the other, joined by centrally extending gussets. The bottom and top of the bag are sealed, the bottom with a permanent seal and the top with a rupturable seal formed from thermoplastic adhesive so that the top can open to form a vent when products, e.g., foods, are heated within the bag in a microwave oven. The strong bottom seal may consist of diagonal seals that extend diagonally from the center of the bag toward the side edge. One or more temporary transverse seals can be provided near the center of the bag.

Abstract: A method of packaging a block of cheese or other soft product, in which the block is enclosed in a cardboard container having a body and a separate lid each lined with sheet material impervious to air and moisture, the container having internal dimensions similar to the external dimensions of the block with the lid engaged against the adjacent face of the block. The lining sheets on the body and lid extend out through the open end of the body of the container to form two endless collars which are sealed together, and the interior of the container is evacuated of air prior to sealing of the lining sheets, so that atmospheric pressure on the lid exerts a comprehensive force on the block of cheese. A reinforcing panel is mounted in a recess in the lid. A stack of such containers has each container arranged with its reinforcing panel upright and perpendicular to the reinforcing panels in the overlying and underlying containers.

Abstract: A plastic film bottom tray is held in shape by a rigid bottom rim. A plastic film top is held in shape by a rigid top rim above the tray. Substance to be lyophilized is frozen in the tray. The assembly is lyophilized in a vacuum chamber. Apertures formed between the top and the tray provide fluid pathways for efficient sublimation. After dehydration, the top rim is pushed down into the bottom rim, obliterating the apertures and pressure sealing the two films together in-vacuo.After removal from the vacuum chamber, the two films are heat sealed together, forming a lyophilized product vacuum sealed within a plastic film bag. Rims and film beyond the heat seal are trimmed away.

Abstract: A food package for cooking popcorn in a microwave oven which comprises an inner pouch containing the popcorn kernels, oils and seasoning, an outer paperboard carton in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid and a stand therefor which is adapted to be packaged inside the carton. When the package is to be used, the outer carton is inverted and opened, the stand is removed, erected and placed in a microwave oven. The inverted outer carton is then placed on the stand which insulates the lower portion of the carton. In this position, the popping area of the package is in a position to be affected by maximum microwave energy efficiency and is protected against heat loss for maximum heat efficiency whereby, a higher ratio of popped to unpopped kernels can be obtained.

Abstract: The package allows the popping of popcorn in situ within a pouch contained in a carton. The carton has a tear-away portion in its top panel which is removed when the package is put into the microwave oven. The pouch is folded in the carton so that the edges of the folded pouch are disposed beneath the opening formed by removal of the tear-away portion. The top panel of the carton includes marginal constraining portions bounding the opening which constrain the pouch once the popcorn has commenced popping. The basal portion of the pouch is thus held in the carton while the remainder of the pouch expands through the opening during popping. The carton is provided with feet which elevate the bottom panel of the carton in the microwave oven to minimize scorching of the bottom panel during popping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-opening foldedly formed disposable container said container being lined with a heat and oil resistant hydrophobic material to store and prepare a frozen dough product, said product being pre-proofed. The ovenable container is composed of essentially a rectangular shaped box portion and enclosing said box portion is a pair of like-sized adjacently abutting closure panels, said closure panels, the closed container providing elevated humidity in relation to temperature, opening upwardly and outwardly in response to the mechanical force of the rising dough product, exposing the uppermost area of said product to the oven's environment, said exposure resulting in a golden brown appearance.

Abstract: A package for perishable products which can readily be prepared for home freezing is comprised of a relatively rigid tray and a flexible cover, the cover having a hole covered by a removable, replaceable seal. The tray is provided with collapsible supports, which hold the cover above the perishable product on the tray during fresh storage, but which can be readily collapsed in order to provide maximum expulsion of air from the package in preparation for freezing. These supports comprise one or more relatively thin walls integral with the tray, the walls having a convoluted riged line parallel and near to the top of the walls. When there is more than one wall, these ridge lines on adjacent walls are alternately convex and concave and meet at the corner formed by adjacent walls.

Abstract: A package for perishable products which can readily be prepared for home freezing is comprised of a relatively rigid tray and a flexible cover, the cover having a hole covered by a removable, replaceable seal. The tray is provided with collapsible supports, which hold the cover above the perishable product on the tray during fresh storage, but which can be readily collapsed in order to provide maximum expulsion of air from the package in preparation for freezing. The atmosphere in the package may be modified so as to inhibit bacterial decay of the product and/or to enhance its appearance. The package is prepared for freezing by removing the seal, collapsing the supports and expelling as much of the atmosphere in the package as possible, and then replacing the seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for preparing vapor-burst, non-fat-fried fast food comprising a confining means comprised of two or more cooperating surfaces which are joined together to form said confining means and containing a suitable water-containing, expandable mixture substantially filling said confining means, whereby the confining means is capable upon heating of rupturing due to increased vapor pressure of liquid in the expandable mixture to permit the expandable mixture to suddenly expand through the ruptured area.

Abstract: An expandable food such as popcorn is sealed within a pouch formed of a substantially oxygen-impermeable, flexible, synthetic high polymer film which is dimensioned so as to fit for storage and efficient cooking of the food product in an outer bowl-like protective paperboard container. The outer container and pouch can be heated in a microwave oven and the expandable pouch and food is supported and confined in the bowl of the outer container, from which the food can be consumed. The outer container is formed from a unitary blank which can be partially erected and shipped in a flat, knockdown condition to a food processor for filling with the food pouch. The base of the outer container is provided with self-locking tabs to prevent the bowl-like container from collapsing and returning to its knock-down, shipped condition after fully erected and filled with the food pouch.

Abstract: A packaged frozen food product has a container with a collapsible chamber fitted with a spout and filled with a frozen dessert food. The dessert food at home freezer temperatures is extrudable from the container upon collapse of the chamber for serving directly into a dish or onto a cone.

Abstract: A charge of popcorn and fat is placed in a flexible shipping container composed of a flexible bag having longitudinally extending centrally projecting side gussets. The charge is placed between the gussets and one side panel of the bag. Another aspect of the invention is a special package of collateral tubular configuration comprising first and second longitudinally extending tubular portions. One of the tubular portions is larger in cross-section than the other and a charge of popcorn and fat is positioned within the small tubular portion of the package.

Abstract: An expandable food such as popcorn is sealed within a pouch formed of a substantially oxygen-impermeable, flexible, synthetic high polymer film which is dimensioned so as to fit for storage and efficient cooking of the food product in an outer bowl-like protective paperboard container. The outer container and pouch can be heated in a microwave oven and the expandable pouch and food is supported and confined in the bowl of the outer container, from which the food can be consumed. The outer container is formed from a unitary blank which can be partially erected and shipped in a flat, knock-down condition to a food processor for filling with the food pouch. The base of the outer container is provided with self-locking tabs to prevent the bowl-like container from collapsing and returning to its knock-down, shipped condition after fully erected and filled with the food pouch.

Abstract: A sealed package, and a method of heating a sealed package of material are disclosed wherein the material is capable of generating vapor from a substance contained therein when the temperature of the material is raised. At least a portion of the packaging structure comprises a plastic film. Thermal energy is applied to the material causing the plastic film to be displaced by generated vapor. After the film is displaced, a vent hole appears in the film, venting the vapor without substantial rupture of the film.

Abstract: A dough process is provided which allows for a slow release of pressure and dough expansion upon opening a dough container on chemically leavened fresh dough contained in the container with the release rate of pressure slower than a predetermined rate. The fresh dough contained in the container after slow release of pressure and baking will have high specific volume.

Abstract: A deep walled pan is provided with the pan rim and upper wall portion forming a slightly cross sectional pan area greater than that of the pan cover. Between the pan rim and bottom, the wall is formed to provide a reduction in cross sectional pan area to less than that of the cover. The cover then can fit down into engagement with the pan wall to form with the pan bottom, an enclosed chamber utilizing only a small portion of the total pan volume. When corn kernels are placed on the pan bottom and the cover put in place, an energy saving low preheat is applied which quickly brings the small chamber up to popping temperature. Once the kernels begin to pop, a higher heat is applied. The expanding popcorn initially rises to the cover. Subsequently, the popping chamber automatically expands upwardly by virtue of the cover being forced upwardly within the pan by the expanding popcorn.

Abstract: An expansible and disposable container for popping popcorn prepackaged with cooking oil therein in a microwave oven; such container being made of a material impervious to cooking oil and having its upper side provided with a pattern of weakness that serves as an excess vapor pressure release during the popping and which thereafter serves for convenient opening of the container so that the latter can be used as a serving tray.

Abstract: A paperboard container for use in a microwave oven to cook an expandable food has an octagonal bottom support panel, upwardly and outwardly extending trapezoidal side panels connected to each edge of the bottom support panel, and a pop-up cover of overlapped, semi-ovoid top panels. A top panel is foldably connected to an edge of each of the side panels and a circular seal is removably attached to one of the top panels and an opposed one thereof to close the container. Upon removal of the seal, the top panels assume a substantially upright position as extensions of the side panels to enclose and support, along with the bottom support panel and side panels, an expanded food package.

Abstract: A paperboard container for use in a microwave oven to cook an expandable food has a square bottom support panel, upwardly and outwardly tapering, concave, trapezoidal side panels connected to each edge of the bottom support panel, and a cover of overlapped, top panels. A top panel is foldably connected to an upper arcuate edge of each of the side panels and a seal is removably attached to one of the top panels and an opposed one thereof to close the container. Upon expansion of the food within the container in a microwave oven, the concave side panels will expand to aid in confining the food within the perimeter of the container.

Abstract: An expandable container, formed of a unitary blank of paperboard, including a planar base panel and a plurality of planar fins foldable over the panel to enclose a conical volume. The fins serially overlap and are self-locking in the closed position, and are expandable into the open position by a force exerted from the inside thereof. Such a force can be provided by the popping of corn kernels located therein when the container is heated in a microwave oven. The fins each are trapezoidal in shape, have an interior fold line separating each into a triangular area and a parallelogram shaped area, and are hingedly coupled to the next two adjacent fins.

Abstract: A package for popping popcorn in a microwave oven is provided. The package includes an expandable container adapted to contain popcorn, oil and salt which when exposed to microwave radiation, the oil and popcorn will become heated and the popcorn will pop (steam produced by the heating will expand the container to accommodate the popped popcorn). The container has one wall with a thermal insulating pad associated therewith which improves the popping performance of the popcorn by preventing heat loss from the package to the oven floor.

Abstract: The disposable package comprises an upper layer composed of a thin film plastic material having a sealed pleated section extending from opposite parallel sides intermediate the ends thereof and an elongated vent disposed within the pleated section. The sealed pleated section is adapted to open exposing the vent at a predetermined temperature below the cooking temperature of the product.

Abstract: To prevent localized overheating in food products which are to be heated in a microwave oven, an expandable vessel is operatively connected to a food product. When heated the vessel expands moving the food and thereby distributing non-uniformly distributed microwave energy more evenly throughout the food. In one embodiment, the vessel is a folded or coiled bag which retains steam and vapor evolved during the heating operation. The vapor expands the bag causing it to unfold i.e., straighten out thereby moving the food product from one location in the oven to another as microwave energy is applied.

Abstract: A plastic body is provided for use in a container which is adapted to hold product under vacuum, without undesirable deformation of the container. The body has a curvilinear bulge at the base of its cylindrical sidewall, and the bulge is dimensioned and configured to permit its slight deflection under vacuum which, in turn, facilitates upward movement of the bottom wall of the body. These changes effect a reduction of volume within the body, thereby reducing the level of vacuum which forms therewithin. The characteristics of the body render it particularly well-suited for production in relatively small sizes, utilizing relatively rigid synthetic resinous materials. It is also especially adapted for use in connection with a metal end closure, which may be hermetically sealed thereonto.

Abstract: A combined popping and shipping package for popcorn is described. The package is composed of a dual compartmented container, one compartment being relatively small and containing the charge of popcorn and fat ready to be popped. The larger compartment which is expansible communicates with the small compartment and is adapted to hold the popped kernels.

Abstract: A non-metallic, expandable food package for use in a microwave oven is disclosed. The package comprises a leak-proof box-like base portion having an integral flange to which a cover is securely attached. The flange portion is then foldably closed to provide a package having a small storage volume.

Abstract: The popcorn container and handle assembly includes a popcorn package having an open-top relatively shallow pan which has an annular rim and a detachable utensil gripping the rim of the pan. A transparent expandable plastic cover having substantially the same shallow outline as the pan extends across and into the pan, with the peripheral edge of the cover disposed between portions of the rim. A charge of popcorn kernels and cooking oil is confined between the pan and the cover. The detachable utensil is made from a single piece of solid metal wire of circular cross-section having the opposite ends thereof secured permanently together by welding to form an endless utensil. The utensil comprises a non-circular expandable and contractable loop for engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the rim of the pan and an elongated expandable and contractable handle of generally U-shape configuration extending from the loop.

Abstract: In a pressurized packing container having an inner tubular container of plastic material and an outer casing of non-elastic material, which tubular container, after being filled, is to be sealed off along two transverse seals spaced from one another, an improved sealing is realized by causing the transverse seals to have a curved or angled contour at at least one of their end points.

Abstract: A package of popcorn which is ready for popping in a microwave oven of from about 600 to 1,400 watts capacity is composed of a flexible and expandable package e.g. a gussetted bag formed from paper. The package is sealed to permit internal pressure to develop to expand the bag so that the corn has sufficient space for the increased volume assumed after popping. The charge of popcorn in the bag is uniformly mixed with about 1 to 5 parts by weight of a shortening for each 8 parts by weight of corn. The shortening comprises an edible solid or liquid fat and the package contains salt for flavoring.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved popcorn package made of a metal foil pan closed by an expansible, clear plastic cover, and an annular gasket disposed adjacent the cover. The gasket has a plurality of fingers adhesively connected to the expansible plastic cover and adapted to support it during expansion.

Abstract: A dumpling package is provided with a perforation arrangement for easily tearing-open and removing a package unit. The dumpling package is produced according to the tubular bag process, wherein the perforation is arranged at a spacing from the equator or is spirally surrounding the dumpling envelopment, with the perforation ending at a spacing from the poles.

Abstract: A plastic body is provided for use in a container which is adapted to hold product under vacuum, without undesirable deformation of the container. The body has a curvilinear bulge at the base of its cylindrical sidewall, and the bulge is dimensioned and configured to permit its slight deflection under vacuum which, in turn, facilitates upward movement of the bottom wall of the body. These changes effect a reduction of volume within the body, thereby reducing the level of vacuum which forms therewithin. The characteristics of the body render it particularly well-suited for production in relatively small sizes, utilizing relatively rigid synthetic resinous materials. It is also especially adapted for use in connection with a metal end closure, which may be hermetically sealed thereonto.