Microwave interactive flexible packaging
View Patent ↗A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.
1. A package for receiving a food item for storage and heating therein, the package comprising:
a first panel and a second panel joined along respective substantially opposed edges to define a sleeve having at least one open end; and
at least one closure mechanism for closing the open end,
wherein
at least a portion of the first panel and at least a portion of the second panel is formed from a microwave energy interactive insulating material including
a microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer,
a moisture-containing layer superposed with the microwave energy interactive material, and
a second polymer film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predetermined pattern, thereby forming at least one closed cell between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer.
2. The package of claim 1 , further comprising at least one vent to permit the passage of water vapor from the sleeve.
3. The package of claim 1 , further comprising an interior surface on which the food item is placed, wherein the interior surface proximate the open end includes an adhesive material covering at least a portion thereof.
4. The package of claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a flap extending from the open end of the sleeve, wherein the flap is adapted to be inserted into the open end.
5. The package of claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a flap extending from the open end of the sleeve, wherein the flap includes a mechanism for releasably sealing the sleeve.
6. The package of claim 5 , wherein the mechanism for releasably sealing the sleeve comprises an adhesive material covering at least a portion of the flap.
7. The package of claim 6 , wherein the flap is adapted to be folded over the open end such that the adhesive contacts an exterior surface of the sleeve.
8. A plurality of sleeves according to claim 1 , stacked in a face-to-face relation.
9. The plurality of sleeves of claim 8 in a carton, the carton comprising an open portion through which the sleeves may be removed or dispensed.
10. A package for storing and heating a food item, comprising:
a plurality of adjoined panels at least partially defining a cavity, the plurality of panels including a pair of opposed panels, wherein each of the opposed panels comprises a microwave energy interactive insulating material including
a microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer,
a moisture-containing layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and
a second polymer film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a patterned configuration, thereby forming a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer.
11. The package of claim 10 , wherein the microwave energy interactive material comprises aluminum, indium tin oxide, or any combination thereof.
12. The package of claim 10 , wherein at least some of the closed cells inflate in response to thermal energy.
13. The package of claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the microwave energy interactive insulating material expands in response to microwave energy.
14. The package of claim 10 , further comprising an opening dimensioned to accommodate the food item.
15. The package of claim 10 , including a mechanism for closing the opening.
16. A storage, browning, and/or crisping pouch comprising;
a plurality of panels joined along respective edges to define a cavity having at least one open end for passing a food item therethrough, the plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel in an opposed relation, wherein each of the first panel and the second panel is at least partially formed from a microwave energy interactive insulating material including
a first polymer film superposed with a moisture-containing layer,
a layer of metal disposed between the first polymer film and the moisture-containing layer, and
a second polymer film joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predefined pattern, thereby forming a plurality of closed microwave energy interactive insulating cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film; and
a closure mechanism for substantially sealing the open end.
17. The storage, browning, and/or crisping pouch of claim 16 , wherein the layer of metal comprises aluminum, indium tin oxide, or any combination thereof.
18. The storage, browning, and/or crisping pouch of claim 16 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a flap extending from the open end of the pouch, wherein the flap is adapted to be inserted into the open end.
19. The storage, browning, and/or crisping pouch of claim 16 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a flap extending from the open end of the pouch, wherein the flap includes a mechanism for releasably sealing the pouch.
20. The storage, browning, and/or crisping pouch of claim 19 , wherein the mechanism for releasably scaling the pouch comprises an adhesive material covering at least a portion of the flap.
21. A plurality of pouches according to claim 16 , stacked in a face-to-face relation.
22. The plurality of pouches of claim 21 in a carton, the carton comprising an open portion through which the pouches may be removed or dispensed.