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 heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprising:
a pair of panels adjoined in an opposed, facing relationship to define a cavity and an open end, wherein the panels are formed at least partially from 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 predetermined pattern, thereby forming a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer; and
a closure mechanism proximate the open end, wherein the closure mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a zipper and a slider.
2. The package of claim 1 , wherein the microwave energy interactive material comprises a layer of metal sufficiently thin to convert at least a portion of impinging microwave energy to thermal energy.
3. The package of claim 1 , wherein the moisture-containing layer is selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, and any combination thereof.
4. The package of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first polymer film and the second polymer film comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
5. The package of claim 1 , wherein the second polymer film comprises biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate.
6. The package of claim 1 , wherein the second polymer film comprises amorphous polyethylene terephthalate.
7. The package of claim 1 , further comprising a vent adapted to allow the release of moisture from the package.
8. The package of claim 1 , wherein the closed cells are adapted to inflate in response to microwave energy.
9. A package for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprising:
a first panel and a second panel adjoined in an opposed, facing relationship to define a cavity and an opening, wherein the first panel and the second panel are each formed at least partially from 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 predetermined pattern, thereby forming a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer; and
a closure mechanism proximate the opening, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a tab that communicates with a corresponding slot in the first panel.
10. The package of claim 9 , wherein the tab extends from a flap joined to the second panel proximate the opening.
11. The package of claim 10 , wherein the flap is adapted to be folded over the opening.
12. The package of claim 9 , wherein the microwave energy interactive material comprises a layer of metal sufficiently thin to convert at least a portion of impinging microwave energy to thermal energy.
13. The package of claim 9 , wherein the moisture-containing layer is selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, and any combination thereof.
14. The package of claim 9 , wherein at least one of the first polymer film and the second polymer film comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
15. The package of claim 9 , wherein the second polymer film comprises biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate.
16. The package of claim 9 , wherein the second polymer film comprises amorphous polyethylene terephthalate.
17. The package of claim 9 , further comprising a vent adapted to allow the release of moisture from the package.
18. The package of claim 9 , wherein the closed cells are adapted to inflate in response to microwave energy.
19. A package for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprising:
a pair of panels adjoined in an opposed, facing relationship to define a cavity, an interior surface, and an open end; and
an adhesive material overlying the interior surface of at least one of the panels proximate the open end,
wherein the panels are formed at least partially from 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 predetermined pattern, thereby forming a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer, wherein the closed cells are adapted to inflate in response to microwave energy.
20. The package of claim 19 , wherein the microwave energy interactive material comprises a layer of metal sufficiently thin to convert at least a portion of impinging microwave energy to thermal energy.
21. The package of claim 19 , wherein the moisture-containing layer is selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, and any combination thereof.
22. The package of claim 19 , wherein at least one of the first polymer film and the second polymer film comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
23. The package of claim 19 , wherein the second polymer film comprises biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate.
24. The package of claim 19 , wherein the second polymer film comprises amorphous polyethylene terephthalate.
25. The package of claim 19 , further comprising a vent adapted to allow the release of moisture from the package.