Abstract: A process for preparing a retort-proof laminate for packaging foodstuffs which comprises laminating an aluminum substrate to at least one polyolefin film selected from the group consisting of high density-polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymers and polybutene films using as an adhesive a specific polyolefin resin in melted state prepared by combining together (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymers and polybutene, (B) maleic anhydride and (C) aluminum hydroxide, and by rendering said specific polyolefin resin substantially free from unreacted maleic anhydride and low molecular weight maleic anhydide homopolymers.The process also includes preparing a retort-proof coated aluminum substrate for packaging foodstuffs which comprises coating an aluminum substrate with a layer formed from the above-described specific polyolefin resin and thereafter forming a suitable retort packaging container therefrom.

Abstract: A flavoring dispenser in which upper and lower layers are sealed to each other along their edges to form a pouch-like structure. A flavoring substance is contained in the structure and a plurality of apertures are disposed in the lower layer. The dispenser is placed on meat or other food being cooked, and the flavoring substance seeps from the dispenser onto the food. The flavoring is a liquid or other substance which liquifies during the cooking of the food. The steam and heat from the food and/or from the flavoring substance cause the pouch to swell, thereby forcing the flavoring substance through the apertures. A plurality of dispensers may be packaged in a sheet-like arrangement with perforations between the individual dispensers permitting each to be detached from the sheet.

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 tray formed of a unitary blank of paperboard for supporting food during a heating process. The tray comprises a bottom wall, two side walls, and two end walls with tabs interlocking the side and end walls. Tabs on the end walls project through slits in the bottom wall to form legs which support the wall in an elevated position. Interior flaps in the main wall lock the end wall tabs in place. The tray is set up without the use of adhesive. Apertures in the bottom wall allow fluid, such as water vapor in the form of steam escaping from the heated food, to flow through the 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: Disclosed is a carton which is especially adapted for heating food products such as pizza, in microwave ovens. The bottom surface of the carton is cut to provide a plurality of tabs, which when bent from the carton, provide legs which space the bottom of the carton from a shelf in the oven, thereby allowing moisture vapor generated during heating to escape. According to a preferred embodiment, a moisture barrier film is releasably adhered to the bottom surface of the carton and a plurality of tabs so that, upon removal of the film prior to heating, the tabs are bent into their operable support position and the vent holes are opened.

Abstract: An edible food container (10) and mold (22) for making the same. The edible food container (10) is cylindrically contoured and extends in a longitudinal direction having a cylindrical food cavity formed therein. An end section (16) of edible food container (10) is closed to provide an overall cup-shaped contour. A food (12) may be inserted within the food cavity (14) and the food (12) and edible food container (10) may be consumed as a unitary combination. The food (12) is captured within the edible food container (10) and provides for a minimization of leakage and spillage during the ingestion process.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-sealable carton having a pair of mating surfaces to be sealed includes the steps of coating at least one of the carton surfaces with a heat-activated thermosetting adhesive, spraying a fine mist of a water-based adhesive which exhibits high contact tackiness when dry, to form a discontinuous film on the coated surface, heating the water-based adhesive coated surface to a temperature sufficient to dry the water-based adhesive and activate the thermosetting adhesive, placing the mating carton surfaces in contact with each other and applying pressure for a time sufficient to seal the contacting surfaces together. A carton formed by the method is provided with flaps sealed by the combination of thermosetting heat-activated adhesive and high tack water-based adhesive. This allows the mating surfaces to be rapidly sealed by automatic carton closing apparatus and results in a sealed carton which exhibits good seal integrity at high temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layer tubular packaging material having two or more layers, comprising at least one first layer of a polymer comprising a linear polyamide and at least one second layer of a polymer comprising a linear polyamide containing from about 2 to 40 percent by weight of a hydrophilic substance compatible with the polyamide, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A two-compartment package is provided which includes in a first lower compartment, frozen or refrigerated ice cream; and in a second upper compartment, frozen or refrigerated syrup with the frozen or refrigerated syrup being supported on a microwave reflective material and the microwave reflective material protecting the frozen or refrigerated ice cream from microwave energy whereby the rate at which the frozen ice cream located in the first lower compartment absorbs heat is much less than the rate at which the syrup in the second upper compartment absorbs heat. The first and second compartments are enclosed in a sealed container, the top surface of the second compartment of which is transparent to microwave energy.The second upper compartment may be an integral part of the food package or it may be a separate container means that is removably and tightly fitted within the upper portion of the first lower compartment.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved process for producing a quick-cooking noodle without frying treatment. The process is especially suitable for producing a quick-cooking snack noodle. Noodle formulations containing starch flour and edible fat and/or oil in addition to wheat flour and/or buckwheat flour, egg powder, salt, water and a noodle dough conditioner are mixed, rolled into a continuous noodle sheet, which is then slit into noodle strands, followed by steaming. Thereafter, the steamed noodle strands are cooled to within 30.degree.-60.degree. C. by blowing cold air, dried and then packaged together with flavoring agents and additives, preferably in a suitable insulating container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carton which is especially adapted for heating food products in microwave ovens. The bottom surface of the carton is cut to define a plurality of spaced apertures, each of which is closed by removable means. A strip of film is secured to the bottom surface of the carton and the removable means so that, upon removal of the film prior to heating, the means are removed with the film to provide vent holes which allow moisture vapor generated during heating to escape. In a preferred embodiment, the carton has two separable compartments joined by a common top and two common side walls with an intermittent cut line extending across the top and down the common side walls to permit separation of the two compartments. The compartments have individual bottom panels, each of which is cut to provide a plurality of removable tabs held within spaced apertures by spaced nicks.

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: A refrigerated food is packaged in a paperboard tray covered by a plastic film bonded to upper edges of the tray sidewalls in provision of a barrier against contamination of the food. The film and the tray are transparent to microwave energy for heating the food, and automatic venting of the covered tray, while heating, is afforded by a relatively small strip of electrically conductive material on the film and absorptive of microwave energy in an amount sufficient to heat the same and melt a vent opening in the film.

Abstract: A container-pan used for instantly frizzlable dry foods is made of an aluminum foil sheet having a scoop-type grip formed integrally with upper edge portion of the pan; a cardboard lid to be put on the pan-and-grip, crossed lines being press-marked thereon for inflection; and a shrink-packaging polymer film for steadfastly attaching the lid to the pan-and-grip. To frizzle a dry food mass which has been received in the pan, the polymer film and the lid are removed from the pan-and-grip. The lid is then folded to form a hinge-like protecting cover and is used for wrapping up the grip now heated.

Abstract: A bonded can having a high hot water resistance, which consists of a metal material having both the confronting side edges bonded together by a linear polyamide adhesive through an epoxy-phenolic resin undercoating composition, wherein said epoxy-phenolic resin undercoating composition comprises 50 to 95% by weight of an epoxy resin having a number average molecular weight of 800 to 5500, which is obtained by condensation of an epihalohydrin with bisphenol A, and 5 to 50% by weight of a resol-type phenol-aldehyde resin having a number average molecular weight of 200 to 1000, which is obtained by reacting a mixed phenol comprising 65 to 98% by weight of a dihydric phenol represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R stands for a bridging group or is a direct bond,and 2 to 35% by weight of a monohydric phenol, with an aldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst.This bonded can can resist retort sterilization conducted at 122.degree. to 135.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of cooking food in a package is disclosed. A metal foil container provides two adjacent compartments so that meat can be placed in one and bread in the other. The bread compartment is vented to atmosphere, and there is communication between the two compartments. Cooking of the meat generates cooking gases which flow through the bread compartment, warming and moistening the bread before escaping to atmosphere.

Abstract: A prepared meat patty is made thin at its radial center and is wrapped in a metal foil wrapper so that heat for cooking the patty may be applied to its circumferential edge through the wrapper. In one form, the wrapper is vented.

Abstract: Inner and outer metallic wrappers are applied to the meat patty and the bun halves, respectively, of a meat sandwich before it is cooked, and the wrappers aid in the flow of heat energy as well as restricting the flow of juices during cooking.

Abstract: A metal foil container forming three generally rectangular compartments, each compartment being hingedly secured along one of its ends to an end of one of the other compartments, so that all of the compartments are foldable relative to each other.The method of cooking and serving a hamburger sandwich in the same package in which it was refrigerated and stored, in which a package including separate compartments foldable relative to each other is first used for supporting two pieces of bread in spaced relationship to a meat patty while the meat patty is grasped between a pair of hot metal jaws for purpose of cooking it, utilizing the same package to conduct hot cooking gases from the meat patty to the bread, and again using the package to assist in folding the meat patty and pieces of bread into a sandwich concurrently with the disassembly and removal of the package.

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: A prepared meat product is contained in a disposable package suitable for transporting, cooking, and serving. One specific form is a meat patty; a second specific form is a hamburger patty together with half a hamburger bun; a third specific form is a hamburger patty together with two half hamburger buns; and a fourth specific form is a wiener together with two half wiener buns.The package of the present invention is disposable and is preferably made primarily of aluminum foil. Some specific features of different forms of the package are a built-in grease trap, filtered vent for cooking gases, removable protective cover for the vent, and removable holder for the meat product for removing the cooked meat product from the package when it is to be served.The invention also makes provision for cooking the meat product faster than the bread when both are enclosed in the same package, and provision for using cooking gases from the meat to warm and moisten the bread.

Abstract: A package is provided for heating foods which includes a pair of bread slices such as the halves of a hamburger bun, at least one meat product such as a hamburger patty preferably resting on one of the bread slices and a condiment package containing one or more condiments with a microwave reflective material at least partially enclosing the condiments to reduce the rate at which they absorb heat. These components are enclosed in a sealed plastic bag which is transparent to microwave energy.

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 container for heating foodstuff contained therein comprising an electrically insulating outer wall forming an enclosure for the foodstuff, perforated inner electrically insulating wall means within the enclosure forming at least two pockets between said inner wall and said outer wall for receiving at least two spaced apart electrodes which are adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source, and removable closure means cooperating with said outer wall immediately adjacent said pockets whereby removal of said closure means opens said pockets for receiving the electrodes.

Abstract: A carton, adapted for use in heating a product, is provided with openings to permit gas and heat flow. An integrally formed section of an outer panel of the carton serves to cover the openings, and is readily removed prior to use of the carton. As an additional feature, the panel in which the removable section is formed may also provide elements which can be positioned to function as legs to elevate the carton above a supporting surface.

Abstract: A system for the reconstitution of a food and beverage concentrate comprising combined knife and nozzle means selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in which latter position the combined knife and nozzle means pierces the removable lid of a container of concentrate and is operative automatically to inject a predetermined amount of heated water into the container to reconstitute the concentrate. Upon movement to retracted position means is automatically operative to rinse the combined knife and nozzle means.

Abstract: Thin-walled ovenable parts made from polybutylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A food cooking sheet made of flexible metal foil is disclosed, the sheet has an imperforate annular margin forming the outer periphery of the sheet and there is a plurality of webs extending across a perforated center section, the webs structurally connect opposite sides of the margin and radiant heat may be upwardly directed between the webs for browning an item of food supported on the sheet; also disclosed is a method of cooking an item of food, the method involves the use of a perforated sheet of metal foil and a rigid open-bottomed pan for supporting the foil and an item of food atop the foil, and the application of radiant heat through the perforated foil sheet directly against the bottom of a food item, and the removal of the foil sheet and food item together from the pan after cooking.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a cover of a top covered cup and pouring a liquid in a predetermined quantity into the cup comprising a perforating tubular member and a liquid pipe which is controlled by a solenoid valve. The perforating tubular member is disposed over a predetermined position where the cup should is to be placed so that the tube vertically extends over and is movable downwardly to perforate the cover of the cup by a sharpened lower end thereof. The perforating member is vertically reciprocated by a driving means which is started by the operation of a switch and is stopped by a second detecting means which detects a time when the perforating member has been restored to its rest position. The output port of the liquid pipe is also disposed over the position where the cup should be placed and is mounted within the perforating tubular member. A first detecting means is provided which detect a time when the perforating member arrives a predetermined position after perforation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester comprised of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, a major portion of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a minor portion of dimer acid. Films of this polyester exhibit an unobvious combination of flexibility and high melting point and are particularly adapted for packaging applications.

Abstract: A noodle cup is disclosed containing a lump of instantly cookable noodles having an evenly distributed, reduced moisture content in which the noodle lump has a less dense lower portion as compared with the upper portion and a shape corresponding to the inside of the hermetically sealed cup, which tapers to a base of smaller diameter than the top. The noodle lump is disposed in the cup in frictional engagement with the sides of the cup and at a spaced distance from the top and bottom of the cup. The noodle lump is formed by filling the cup shaped mold with 50-80% by volume of gelatinized noodles and then dehydrating the noodles by dipping the mold into heated frying oil so that the noodles rise to the top of the mold.

Abstract: A package capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to temperatures in excess of 300.degree. F is formed from a composite film which includes a thermostable, thermoplastic layer and a polyolefin layer having a softening point below 300.degree. F. The package is hermetically sealed although it may include a weakened seal area which acts as a pressure relief valve, and may be employed as a serving dish as well as a heating container.

Abstract: An improved metal foil composite sheet and method of fabricating the same for heating and/or cooling food products. Metal foil is coated on one surface with a heat stable, thermoplastic, epoxy and on its second surface with a heat resistant, dielectric, thermosetting base coat and a top coat of a heat resistant, heat absorptive, thermosetting material. The top coat may be applied in zones of distinct thicknesses simultaneously. Such application provides for legible printing, while preserving the desired heat absorptive properties on the entire foil pouch stock including both the printed and unprinted regions. A completed foil pouch composed of the foil composite sheet permits uniform heating and/or cooling of foods over an extended range of temperatures and times while resisting undesired deterioration.

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: A method of simultaneously producing a plurality of plural walled members by applying localized areas of adhesive to a first continuous web of one material, feeding a second continuous web of material in super-posed relation to the first web with the adhesive located between the webs, pressing the webs into engagement with each other to adhere the webs along at least some of localized areas of adhesive, severing the adhered webs along spaced lines to produce a plurality of plural walled members capable of being transformed into pouches.

Abstract: A carton is provided having opposite side portions which project beyond the lower surface of carton. The lower surface is provided with apertures so that heat may pass through the apertures when the carton is placed in an oven or other heating chamber. A strip of film is secured to the lower surface and along an adjoining wall. The film normally closes the apertures, but is removable to expose the apertures.