US20060186116A1 - Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine - Google Patents
Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine Download PDFInfo
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- US20060186116A1 US20060186116A1 US11/410,389 US41038906A US2006186116A1 US 20060186116 A1 US20060186116 A1 US 20060186116A1 US 41038906 A US41038906 A US 41038906A US 2006186116 A1 US2006186116 A1 US 2006186116A1
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- container
- food product
- steam
- seal
- venting
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- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 93
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- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
- B65D81/3461—Flexible containers, e.g. bags, pouches, envelopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/005—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating using irradiation or electric treatment
- A23L3/01—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by heating using irradiation or electric treatment using microwaves or dielectric heating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/06—Handles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/22—Details
- B65D77/225—Pressure relief-valves incorporated in a container wall, e.g. valves comprising at least one elastic element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
- B65D81/3453—Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2581/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D2581/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within
- B65D2581/3437—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
- B65D2581/3439—Means for affecting the heating or cooking properties
- B65D2581/3455—Packages having means for improving the internal circulation of air
- B65D2581/3456—Means for holding the contents at a distance from the base of the package, e.g. raised islands or protrusions
Abstract
A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. The bag portion defines an opening for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion includes a floor having a surface for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/462,751 filed Apr. 14, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/469,155 filed May 9, 2003, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates to the field of cooking devices, and, more particularly, to cooking containers for use in a microwave oven to cook meats, vegetables, and other food products.
- Consumers often prefer to cook food in a microwave oven rather than conventional ovens because of the reduced cooking time required to heat foods in a microwave oven. Consumers also want to be provided with the opportunity to cook pre-packaged food products in the package in which they were purchased without the hassle of transferring the food from one container to the next. Unfortunately, however, foods cooked in a microwave oven tend to be tough and/or dry in texture and consistency, rather than tender and moist. When liquid is added to the food in an attempt to retain moisture, the food can become soggy and undesirable. In addition, microwave ovens do not evenly distribute heat to the product being cooked. This results in a cooked food product that may be very hot in one area, but cold in another area. Because of these problems, many people consider microwave cooking to be problematic and generally undesirable.
- One method for improving the texture and consistency of food cooked in a microwave oven is to use steam generated by the heated food product to assist in cooking the food. Cooking with steam not only provides moisture for the food being cooked, but also results in more consistent heating throughout the food product. In order to steam cook a food product in a microwave oven, the steam must be retained within a cooking container; accordingly, the container must be at least partially sealed. When a sealed container is used to heat a food product contained therein, pressure rapidly builds as steam is generated from the heated food product. As heating continues, this pressure will continue to escalate until the container's seal is broken, thereby relieving the pressure. This relief often comes in the form of an explosion forcing the covering from the base of the container, resulting in food being ejected from the container. Not only does such an explosion create a mess, but it also undermines the attempt to use steam to cook the food product because the explosion causes a rapid release of the collected steam from the no longer sealed cooking environment.
- The release of pressure can be controlled by including one or more vents in the container. These vents create a weakened portion in the seal between the container's covering and its base. When the sealed cooking environment attains a pressure creating a risk of explosion, the weakened portions in the seal allow for a controlled pressure release at the vents. The seal between the container's covering and its base is broken at the point where the pressure release occurs, creating a tab which may be grasped or otherwise used to pull the covering from the base, breaking the remainder of the seal such that consumption of the food product may occur. Such venting configuration is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,431, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
- Such self-venting containers have a variety of applications in the field of food storage and preparation; however, one of their limitations is the lack of compatibility with vertical fill automated machines. A vertical fill automated machine is commonly used to deliver food product to a storage bag. These automated machines have the capacity to fill numerous storage bags at a very rapid rate, making them popular devices in the food packaging industry. Because traditional food-storage bags filled by a vertical fill automated machine lack the enhanced cooking benefits of the self-venting containers described above, food products that have been stored in and thereafter cooked in such storage bags typically lack desirable texture and consistency.
- Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a cooking container which satisfactorily addresses the needs of cost and time-conscious parties in the food packaging industry and consumers of microwaveable food products.
- The present invention meets the above identified needs, and others, by providing a microwave cooking container that is compatible with a vertical fill automated machine and provides a self-venting system for steam cooking in a microwave oven, resulting in a prepared food product of a desirable texture and consistency. Specifically, a microwave cooking container made in accordance with the present invention includes a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. It is contemplated that the bag portion may be constructed from a flexible material, such as polypropylene film, while the tray portion may be constructed from a more rigid material, such as food-grade plastic.
- The bag portion of the container defines an opening for receiving food product, and the tray portion includes a surface for supporting the food product. The container has an overall shape that allows it to be loaded into and used with a standard vertical fill automated machine, as is commonly used in the food storage and preparation industry. The vertical fill automated machine is used to deliver food product to the container through the opening and thereafter seal the opening, such that the integrity of the food product within the container is maintained during storage and until the food product is prepared for consumption.
- It is contemplated that the strength and degree of adhesive power of the seal used to close the opening are sufficient to maintain the integrity of the food product held within the container until it is prepared for consumption. Accordingly, additional external packaging, such as a cardboard sleeve or box, is not necessary to maintain the integrity of the packaging. It is further contemplated that the container may be constructed from a material capable of being printed with high-quality graphics, such as polypropylene. Accordingly, external packaging is not necessary to display graphics and information about the product contained therein. As such, the need for external packaging is eliminated, reducing the overall cost of producing the container and reducing the amount material thrown away following consumption of the food product.
- The microwave cooking container uses a steam cooking method to prepare the food product. Such method is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,431, which has been incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, the container is designed to maintain a constant volume until the pressure from the steam increases to a point that it causes venting to occur. Because the volume remains constant until venting occurs, the steam-induced pressure builds within the closed volume. The heightened pressure resulting from the presence of the trapped steam causes the temperature within the container to increase above a temperature able to be achieved at ambient pressures. Steam cooking using the container thus results in more consistent heating throughout the food product, faster preparation time, and an end product with desirable texture and consistency. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the container includes a venting configuration, which is designed to facilitate controlled venting of the container at a predetermined location, for example, along the seal of the opening or at a weakened area of the bag portion.
- Furthermore, because different foods have different textures and moisture contents, the same pressure is not ideal for cooking all types of foods. With this in mind, it is contemplated that the container be capable of customization for creating an optimal cooking environment for the type of food product contained therein.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a self-venting microwave cooking container made in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a self-venting microwave cooking container made in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a self-venting microwave cooking container made in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment of a self-venting microwave cooking container made in accordance with the present invention. - The present invention is a self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine. With reference to
FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of amicrowave cooking container 10 made in accordance with the present invention generally includes abag portion 12, atray portion 14, and aventing configuration 16. In this exemplary embodiment, thebag portion 12 is constructed from a polypropylene film, but could certainly be constructed from other materials (e.g., retortable film or succeptor film) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similarly, in this exemplary embodiment, thetray portion 14 is made of a more rigid, food-grade polypropylene, but could also be constructed from other materials (e.g., cardboard) without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. - The
bag portion 12 generally defines anopening 18 for receiving food product and afloor 20 for receiving thetray portion 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , theopening 18 for receiving food product is located along the upper edge of thebag portion 12. Of course, theopening 18 may be located at an alternative location without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, theopening 18 could be located on one side of thebag portion 12. - In any event, the
container 10 has an overall shape that allows it to be loaded into and used with a standard vertical fill automated machine as is commonly used in the food storage and preparation industry. The vertical fill automated machine is used to deliver food product to thecontainer 10 through theopening 18 and thereafter seal theopening 18, such that the integrity of the food product within thecontainer 10 is maintained during storage and until the food product is prepared for consumption. It is contemplated that theopening 18 be sealed using a heat seal; however, a variety of sealing methods could be used, for example, a food-grade adhesive, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is further contemplated that a vacuum could be drawn on the contents of thecontainer 10 prior to sealing theopening 18. Additionally, and as depicted inFIG. 1 , to streamline the shape of thecontainer 10 for packaging or storage, thecontainer 10 could be folded. In so doing, creases 22, 24 are formed, and the parts of thebag portion 12 situated on either side of thesecreases container 10 can be placed in a compact orientation around the food product contained therein. - With respect to the sealing of the
bag portion 12, it is contemplated that the strength and degree of adhesive power of the seal used to close theopening 18 is sufficient to maintain the integrity of the food product held within thecontainer 10 until it is prepared for consumption. Accordingly, additional external packaging, such as a cardboard sleeve or box, is not necessary to maintain the integrity of the packaging. In addition to providing protection for its contents, external packaging typically serves to displays graphics and information about the product contained therein. In this regard, by constructing thebag portion 12 from a material capable of being printed with high-quality graphics, such as polypropylene, the need for external packaging can be eliminated. By so eliminating the need for external packaging, the overall cost of producing thecontainer 10 is reduced, and there is less material to dispose of following consumption of the food product, making thecontainer 10 environmentally friendly. - Once the food product has been sealed within the
bag portion 12 and then acquired by a consumer, thecontainer 10 can be placed in a microwave oven for cooking the food product. In this regard, steam generated by the heated food product is used to assist in cooking the food product, taking advantage of the ideal gas law, a distillation of several kinetic theories including Boyle's Law and Gay-Lussac's Law. More specifically, the present invention takes advantage of the proportional relationship between pressure and temperature when volume and number of gas molecules remain constant. This proportional relationship can be expressed as a mathematical equation, (P2/P1)=(T2/T1), where P1 is the initial pressure, P2 is the final pressure, T1 is the initial temperature, and T2 is the final temperature. Accordingly, any increase in pressure will result in a proportional increase in temperature that would not occur at ambient pressures. For example, if the pressure was to increases 1.2 fold (e.g., from 1 to 1.2 atmospheres), the temperature would also increase 1.2 fold (e.g., from 275 K to 330 K, which is an increase from 35° F. to 134° F.). Such a steam cooking method is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,559,431, which has been incorporated herein by reference. - Referring still to the exemplary embodiment of the
microwave cooking container 10 depicted inFIG. 1 , a constant volume is maintained within the container until the pressure from the steam increases to a point that it causes the seal of theopening 18 to break and vent steam. Because the volume remains constant until venting occurs, the pressure within thecontainer 10 increases as the moisture from the food product creates steam as it approaches its boiling point. The heightened pressure resulting from the presence of the trapped steam causes the temperature within thecontainer 10 to increase above a temperature able to be achieved at ambient pressures. Steam cooking using thecontainer 10 thus results in more consistent heating throughout the food product, faster preparation time, and an end product with desirable texture and consistency. - In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
claim 1, a controlled venting is achieved by a ventingconfiguration 16 along the seal of theopening 18. Generally, the ventingconfiguration 16 creates a weakened portion in the seal and urges that weakened portion of the seal to break when a certain pressure is achieved within thecontainer 10. In so doing, the ventingconfiguration 16 limits the possibility that venting will occur elsewhere. - As described in detail in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/729,787, which is incorporated herein by reference, the depicted venting
configuration 16 comprises at least onesteam guide 26 and an associated pair ofsteam horns steam guide 26 is a substantially V-shaped pocket along the seal of theopening 18 with the “V” ending before the upper edge of the seal, the pocket being in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer 10. Thesteam horns steam guide 26. Eachsteam horn opening 18 ending before the edge of the seal, the pockets being in fluid communication with the interior of thecontainer 10. It is preferred that eachsteam horn guide 26. - As mentioned above, when the food product in the
container 10 is prepared for consumption, the moisture from the food product creates steam as it approaches its boiling point. The steam generated causes the pressure withincontainer 10 to increase. As the pressure continues to build, theguide 26 directs the steam and pressure to its tip. Likewise, thesteam horns guide 26, direct the steam and pressure toward the tip of theguide 26. Thus, the pressure is heavily concentrated at the tip of theguide 26, causing the venting to occur at this predetermined location. - Furthermore, because different foods have different textures and moisture contents, the same pressure is not ideal for cooking all types of foods. With this in mind, it is contemplated that the container be capable of customization for creating an optimal cooking environment for the type of food product contained therein. In this regard, the venting
configuration 16 can be used to customize the cooking environment of thecontainer 10. For example, the angle of the pair ofsteam horns guide 26, thus allowing the concentration of pressure to be directed over various widths. By changing the width of the concentration of pressure, different internal pressures can be achieved and the length of cooking time occurring prior to venting can be controlled. - Of course, other venting configurations could also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a weakened portion could be created on the
container 10 by bringing a portion thereof into contact with a heat press. Additionally, a weakened portion could be created by varying the adhesive power in a portion of the seal used to close theopening 18. Alternatively, small pin holes (not shown) could be provided in thecreases container 10. When thecontainer 10 is in a compact orientation, the sections of thebag portion 12 situated on either side of eachcrease creases container 10 from its compact orientation allowing venting through the pin holes to occur. For yet another example, a small pin hole (not shown) may be placed in thecontainer 10 and covered with a steam patch (not shown), which is sealed to thecontainer 10. As the pressure from the steam increases during cooking, it will eventually cause the seal of the patch to break away from thecontainer 10 allowing venting to occur. - With respect to the customization of the
container 10 to create an optimal cooking environment, it is also contemplated that thetray portion 14 may be specifically designed to create an optimal cooking environment for a particular type of food product. In this regard, thetray portion 14 includes anfood supporting surface 32 provided with a floor pattern which is selected to create an optimal cooking environment for a particular type of food product held within thecontainer 10. Although not shown inFIG. 1 , thetray portion 14 may include one or more side walls (not shown) along its perimeter and extending upwardly therefrom for retaining the food product. In any event, it has been found that certain floor patterns provide better steam cooking environments for certain types of foods. For example, a flat floor is good for foods with a high sugar content, such as desserts. For another example, as depicted inFIG. 1 , a floor comprising a plurality of pyramid-shapedprojections 34 raised therefrom provides a good cooking environment for foods with heavy sauces. For yet another example, a floor including a plurality of rib projections (not shown) raised from the bottom surface allows solid proteins, such as chicken or fish, to achieve excellent texture and consistency when steam cooked in a microwave oven. For still yet another example, a floor having a plurality of sinusoidal projections (not shown) raised therefrom creates a good environment for foods without sauces such as plain vegetables. Of course, many other raised floor patterns can be contemplated. Additionally, the height of the provided projections may be altered to customize the cooking environment. - Finally, in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 1 , an insulatinghandle 36 is included to provide protection from heat-related injury when thecontainer 10 is grasped and removed from the microwave oven following preparation of the food product. The insulatinghandle 36 may be constructed from a strip of corrugated cardboard with adhesive material on one side, which may be folded over the sealedopening 18 of thecontainer 10 and secured thereto with the adhesive material. Of course, thehandle 36 may be made of any material suitable for providing insulation from heat and may be secured to thecontainer 10 by an suitable means without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , another exemplary embodiment of amicrowave cooking container 110 made in accordance with the present invention is shown and includes abag portion 112, atray portion 114 with at least onecompartment 115 for holding food product, and a ventingconfiguration 116. Similar to the embodiment described above with respect toFIG. 1 , in this exemplary embodiment, thebag portion 112 is constructed from a polypropylene film or similar material (e.g., retortable film or succeptor film), and thetray portion 14 is made of a more rigid, food-grade polypropylene or similar material (e.g., cardboard). - The
tray portion 114 of thismicrowave cooking container 110 has abottom surface 132 with a continuous side wall 133 extending therefrom and terminating in anupper rim 140 that is in a plane substantially parallel to thebottom surface 132 of thetray portion 114. Theupper rim 140 circumscribes theopening 142 into the interior of thetray portion 114. - The
bag portion 112 of thismicrowave cooking container 110 also defines anopening 118 for receiving food product at one end. In addition, thebottom side 144 of thebag portion 112 defines alower opening 146 that is substantially the same size and shape as theopening 142 into the interior of thetray portion 114. Thebottom side 144 of thebag portion 112 can thus be joined to theupper rim 140 of thetray portion 114, with thelower opening 146 of thebag portion 112 substantially in registry with theopening 142 into the interior of thetray portion 114. For example, thebag portion 112 could be joined to thetray portion 114 using a weld seal, thereby creating a sturdy bond for maintaining the integrity of the contents of thecontainer 110. Of course, thebag portion 112 could be also attached to thetray portion 114 using a variety of methods, for example, using food-grade adhesive, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. - Referring still to
FIG. 2 , in this exemplary embodiment, the side wall 133 of thetray portion 114 includes a recessedarea 148 adjacent theopening 118 defined by thebag portion 112, such that therim 140 has a substantially concave segment. The recessedarea 148 results in anenlarged opening 118 into the interior of thecontainer 110, thereby facilitating the delivery of food product into thecontainer 110. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 , theopening 118 is located on one side of thecontainer 10. Of course, theopening 118 may be located anywhere along therim 140 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. - As with the embodiment described above with reference to
FIG. 1 , thecontainer 110 uses steam to assist in cooking the food product. Accordingly, thecontainer 110 includes a ventingconfiguration 116 that allows the volume of thecontainer 110 to remain constant until the pressure from the steam generated while the food product is being cooked increases to a point that it causes thecontainer 110 to vent. The ventingconfiguration 116 depicted inFIG. 2 includes asteam guide 126 positioned adjacent a weakenedarea 150 of thebag portion 112. It is contemplated that this weakenedarea 150 is created by bringing a segment of thebag portion 112 into contact with a heat press. Of course, a weakened portion in thebag portion 112 could be created by alternative means, for example, limiting the degree of adhesive power in a portion of the seal used to close theopening 118. Venting occurs when pressure is directed toward thesteam guide 126, eventually causing thebag portion 112 to break at the weakenedarea 150 adjacent the steam guide. When this action occurs, atab 152 is created. In this regard, the embodiment additionally includes a substantially linear weakenedarea 154 trailing from thetab 152. Thetab 152 may be grasped and pulled in the direction of the linear weakenedarea 154 to facilitate access to the prepared food product. - Of course, as with the embodiment described above with reference to
FIG. 1 , the exemplary microwave cooking container depicted inFIG. 2 could incorporate any of a number of venting configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 may be customized to create an optimal cooking environment for the type of food product contained therein in the same manner described above with reference toFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a self-ventingmicrowave cooking container 210 made in accordance with the present invention. Thisparticular container 210 is very similar to that depicted inFIG. 2 , but has abag portion 212 generally having the same geometrical shape as theopening 242 into the interior of the tray portion 214. A seal can then be created along thelower periphery 256 of thebag portion 212 and theupper rim 240 of the tray portion 214, such that anopening 218 for receiving food product remains between theupper rim 240 of the tray portion and the unsealedsection 258 of thebag portion 212. - Lastly,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment of a self-ventingmicrowave cooking container 310 made in accordance with the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, theopening 318 of thebag portion 312 is located at the top of thecontainer 310. - It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (10)
1. A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine, comprising:
a bag portion defining an opening for receiving a food product, wherein the opening is sealed after the food product has been received by said container, enclosing a predetermined volume within said bag portion for subsequent cooking of the food product in the container;
a tray portion positioned within and adjacent a floor of said bag portion and having a surface for supporting the food product; and
a venting configuration in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within said bag portion for preferential venting at a predetermined location when the food product is cooked in said container.
2. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 1 , wherein said predetermined location is along a portion of the seal closing the opening of the bag portion.
3. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 2 , wherein said venting configuration comprises:
at least one steam guide defining a central pocket in the seal with a tip ending before the edge of the seal, the central vent weakening a portion of the seal adjacent the tip of said at least one steam guide and being in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within said container to allow movement of steam from said container into said at least one steam guide, such that, when said container is heated, steam and pressure are directed towards the tip of said at least one steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal, resulting in the seal being preferentially broken adjacent the tip of said at least one steam guide.
4. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 3 , said venting configuration further comprising:
a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of said at least one steam guide, the steam horns defining side pockets in the seal, the side vents further weakening the portion of the seal adjacent the tip of said at least one steam guide and being in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within said container to allow movement of steam from said container into the steam horns, such that, when said container is heated, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the tip of said at least one steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal, resulting in the seal being preferentially broken adjacent the tip of said at least one steam guide.
5. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 1 , wherein the surface of said tray portion has a pattern designed for optimal cooking of a particular type of food product.
6. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 1 , and further comprising an insulating handle for providing protection from heat-related injury when said container is grasped following cooking of the food product.
7. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 1 , wherein said bag portion is constructed from a material capable of being printed with graphics and/or information.
8. The microwave cooking container as recited in claim 7 , wherein said material is polypropylene.
9-11. (canceled)
12. A method for packaging food product in a microwave cooking container that includes a bag portion defining an opening for receiving the food product and a tray portion having a surface for supporting the food product, comprising the steps of:
delivering food product to said container from a vertical fill automated machine through the opening defined by said bag portion;
sealing the opening defined by said bag portion, thereby securing the food product within said container; and
providing the container with a venting configuration for preferential venting when the food product is cooked in said container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/410,389 US20060186116A1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2006-04-25 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US46275103P | 2003-04-14 | 2003-04-14 | |
US46915503P | 2003-05-09 | 2003-05-09 | |
US10/825,276 US7034268B2 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2004-04-13 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
US11/410,389 US20060186116A1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2006-04-25 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/825,276 Continuation US7034268B2 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2004-04-13 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060186116A1 true US20060186116A1 (en) | 2006-08-24 |
Family
ID=33423823
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/825,276 Expired - Fee Related US7034268B2 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2004-04-13 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
US10/556,207 Abandoned US20070181570A1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2004-05-10 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
US11/410,389 Abandoned US20060186116A1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2006-04-25 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/825,276 Expired - Fee Related US7034268B2 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2004-04-13 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
US10/556,207 Abandoned US20070181570A1 (en) | 2003-05-09 | 2004-05-10 | Self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US7034268B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004100738A2 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040226941A1 (en) | 2004-11-18 |
US7034268B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 |
US20070181570A1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
WO2004100738A3 (en) | 2006-10-26 |
US20050155965A9 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
WO2004100738A2 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |