U.S. patent application number 12/006534 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for microwaveable steam pouch.
Invention is credited to Rodney M. Weaver.
Application Number | 20090175563 12/006534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40821892 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090175563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weaver; Rodney M. |
July 9, 2009 |
Microwaveable steam pouch
Abstract
A flexible pouch is provided having sidewalls sealed to form a
internal pouch volume. A bottom wall is sealed to the sidewalls to
form a bottom gusset and to create a stand-up pouch. A support wall
is attached to the sidewalls, between the bottom gusset and the top
end of the pouch. The support wall divides the interior of the
pouch into a food compartment, adjacent the top end, and a liquid
compartment, formed between the support wall and the bottom gusset.
The food is positioned on the support wall and liquid is provided
in the liquid compartment. The pouch is positioned within a
microwave oven and the liquid in the liquid compartment is heated,
creating steam, which flows through the porous support wall to heat
the food supported thereon.
Inventors: |
Weaver; Rodney M.;
(Florence, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IP GROUP OF DLA PIPER US LLP
ONE LIBERTY PLACE, 1650 MARKET ST, SUITE 4900
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
40821892 |
Appl. No.: |
12/006534 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/38 ;
383/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3461 20130101;
B65D 2581/3456 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/38 ;
383/100 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/01 20060101
B65D033/01; B65D 30/22 20060101 B65D030/22 |
Claims
1. A flexible pouch comprising: a front and rear panel sealed to
one another along at least one edge thereof to form an internal
pouch volume and an open top end; a bottom panel sealed to the
front an rear panels and forming a bottom gusset, the bottom gusset
and front and rear panels forming a stand-up pouch, with the bottom
gusset supporting the front and rear panels vertically when the
pouch is standing, a support wall attached to the front and rear
panels between the open top end and the bottom gusset, the support
wall forming the internal volume of the pouch into a food
compartment adjacent the open top end and a liquid compartment
formed between the bottom wall and the support wall.
2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the support wall
comprises a perforated web.
3. The flexible pouch of claim 2, wherein the perforated web has a
V-shape with the vertex thereof pointing toward the bottom
panel.
4. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the support wall is
sealed to the inside surfaces of the front and rear panels.
5. The flexible pouch of claim 1, where in the support wall is a
substantially porous web.
6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, where in the support wall is made
from a cast polypropylene.
7. The flexible pouch of claim 1 further comprising sealing means
formed at the top end for selective access to the food
compartment.
8. The flexible pouch of claim 1 further comprising a steam vent
for controlled discharge of steam during heating of liquid within
the liquid compartment to steam cook food supported on the support
wall in the food compartment.
9. The flexible packaging of claim 1 wherein the front and rear
walls are formed of a laminate material comprising an oriented
polyethylene teraphalate outer web and a cast polypropylene sealant
web.
10. A package for storing food and cooking the food in a microwave
oven, the pouch comprising: a flexible laminate formed into a pouch
having a series of side walls formed around a hollow interior and
defining a top and bottom, a gusset panel sealed to the side walls
and closing the bottom of the hollow interior, the gusset panel in
conjunction with the sidewalls forming a stand-up pouch, a flexible
perforated wall sealed to the side walls of the pouch within the
hollow interior, between the bottom gusset and the top end, the
perforated wall separating the hollow interior into a food
compartment positioned above a liquid compartment formed adjacent
the gusset panel, a food access opening formed at the top of the
sidewalls, the opening defining access to the food compartment, the
opening being selectively closable, and a steam vent for controlled
discharge of steam during heating of liquid within the liquid
compartment to steam food supported on the perforated wall in the
food compartment.
11. A method of cooking food, comprising: providing a flexible
pouch formed from a flexible side walls around a hollow interior
and a bottom gusset panel sealed to the side walls and closing the
bottom of the hollow interior, the gusset panel in conjunction with
the sidewalls forming a stand-up pouch, providing a flexible
perforated wall sealed to the side walls of the pouch within the
hollow interior, the perforated wall spaced from the bottom gusset
and separating the hollow interior into a food compartment and a
liquid compartment, providing a liquid in the liquid compartment,
providing food on the perforated wall within the food compartment,
placing the pouch within a microwave oven with the gusset panel
resting on a support surface therein, and the liquid in the liquid
compartment positioned vertically below the perforated wall and the
food positioned in the food compartment, activating the microwave
oven to heat the liquid to create steam which flows into the food
compartment and heats the food.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch or the like for
cooking or heating food within a microwave oven.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Contemporary consumers have created demand for products
which prepare fresh or fresh-like food items. Also, there is a
preference for preparing cooked food items in a short amount of
time. One method of accelerated cooking is to use a microwave oven.
Other cooking options including boiling, frying, baking, grilling
and steaming.
[0003] One of the healthiest cooking options for many food items,
and in particular fresh vegetables, is steam cooking. This method
typically results in the maintenance of the highest level of
nutrients within the cooked food. To steam food items, a consumer
must typically use a vegetable steamer appliance or a cooking pot
with a steamer insert therein. These items often require extending
cooking times and leave several dishes to clean.
[0004] It is known to use flexible packaging for cooking and
heating food within a microwave oven. For example, US 2007/0029314
to Rodgers et al. describes a microwavable bag having a steam
source provided by an absorbent material having a liquid stored
therein. The absorbent material is separated from a food
compartment within the bag by a porous wall. When the bag is heated
in a microwave oven, the liquid in the absorbent material vaporizes
and moves into the food compartment via the holes in the porous
wall. During heating, the absorbent material is positioned above
the food in a separate compartment.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,713 to Burdette describes a gusseted
microwavable bag having a cavity for storing food to be cooked and
an interior package disposed within the cavity. The interior
package contains a liquid to be mixed with the food. When the wall
of the interior package reaches a predetermined temperature, it
tears open and allows the additive to flow over the food.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,939 to Huffer describes a vented bag for
microwave cooking of foods. The bag has a resealable opening for
extracting food from the bag after cooking. A vent is provided
within the sealing portion of the bag to exhaust steam created by
the heating of the food.
[0007] In addition to the above, it is known to provide a vessel
for use within a microwave oven for steam cooking of food. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,481,392 to Nibbe et al. describes an enclosed rigid
vessel having a microwave impermeable chamber located therein.
Water is provided in the bottom of the rigid vessel and the chamber
is positioned above the surface of the water. The chamber creates a
radiation shield positioned over the food and therefore prevents
the direct cooking of food by microwave energy. The microwave
energy heats the water within the vessel to create steam which
moves upwardly into the chamber through holes in the food support
surface on the bottom of the chamber.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a flexible pouch having a
front and rear panel or sidewalls which are sealed to one another
along at least one edge to form an internal pouch volume. A bottom
panel is sealed to the sidewalls and forms a bottom gusset. The
bottom gusset and the sidewalls in cooperation with one another
form a stand-up pouch. The bottom gusset creates the supporting
surface for the pouch, with the sidewalls extending vertically
upward from the bottom gusset. A support wall is attached
internally to the sidewalls, between the bottom gusset and the top
end of the pouch. The support wall divides the internal volume of
the pouch into a liquid compartment positioned adjacent the bottom
gusset and a food storage compartment positioned above the support
wall. The support wall is preferably perforated and may have a
V-shape for easy collapse when the pouch is not in use. A sealing
means may be formed at the top end of the pouch for sealing the
food therein and/or for controlled release of the steam created
within the pouch during use.
[0009] In operation, the flexible pouch is formed and a liquid is
placed within the liquid compartment. Preferably, the liquid is
water, but other liquids, including sauces and flavorings, may be
used. Food is provided on the perforated wall within the food
compartment. The pouch is placed in the microwave oven with the
gusset panel resting on a support surface, with the liquid in the
liquid compartment positioned on the gusset panel, and with the
food positioned on the perforated wall in the food compartment.
Upon activating the microwave oven, the liquid within the pouch is
heated to create steam, which flows into the food compartment,
through the perforated wall and heats the food within the pouch.
Upon completion of the heating or cooking process, the pouch can be
opened and the food removed for serving.
[0010] It is contemplated that the pouch of the present invention
may be separately provided from the food. Thus, the pouch may be
purchased by the consumer and used with the food items of choice.
Alternatively, the pouch may serve as the packaging for the food
during shipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in the
form of stand-up pouch having a liquid provided in the bottom
portion thereof.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
with steam generated from the liquid in the bottom of the pouch and
food provided in the food compartment.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of the present invention
positioned within a microwave oven.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings there is shown an embodiment of the present
invention, with like numerals identifying like elements. In FIG. 1,
there is shown a flexible pouch, which is generally designated by
the numeral 10. The pouch or package 10, as illustrated, comprises
a front wall 12 and rear wall 14 (FIG. 2) which are sealed to one
another along side seams 16 and 18. A bottom panel 20 is formed
between the sidewalls or panels 12, 14 and forms a gusset. The
formation of the gusset between the sidewalls 12, 14 creates a
stand-up pouch. The top end 22 of the pouch 10 includes an opening
24 which is resealable by a sealing means 26. The sealing means 26
may take any form as desired and is preferably selectably closeable
in order to provide access to or seal the internal volume of the
pouch 10. The sealing means 26 illustrated is formed in the manner
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,939 to Huffer, which is commonly
assigned with the present invention. This patent is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0016] A perforated web 28 is provided within the interior of the
pouch 10, between the top end 22 and the bottom wall 20. The web 28
is sealed to the side panels 12, 14 and/or the side seams 16, 18.
As can be seen in FIG. 2, the web 28 has a generally V-shaped
profile with the vertex pointing downwardly towards the bottom wall
20. It is contemplated that the web 28 will be substantially the
same size as or slightly smaller than the bottom wall 20.
Preferably the cross sectional area of the pouch at the position of
the web 28 is less than that of the bottom gusset. Thus, the gusset
will form a stable support for the pouch 10 in normal use.
[0017] In use, food is positioned on the web 28 in the upper
portion of the interior of the pouch 10. This upper pouch portion
serves as a food retaining compartment 30. A liquid is provided
within the pouch and settles to the bottom, adjacent the bottom
wall 20. The liquid is retained in a liquid retaining portion or
compartment 32. The perforated web 28 forms a hammock between the
two chambers 30 and 32 with the perforations in the web permitting
the passage of steam and/or liquid there between. When the pouch 10
is positioned upright, the food in the food compartment 30 is
separated from the liquid in the liquid compartment 32. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, steam from the heated liquid rises through
the perforated web 28 and across the food compartment 30. Steam is
vented from the opening 24 in the top end 22 of the pouch 10 or its
release is controlled by the sealing means 26.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a microwave oven 34 includes a
cooking chamber 36 with a support surface 38 therein. The flexible
pouch 10 is filled with food in the food compartment 30 and with
liquid, such as water, in the liquid compartment 32 at the bottom
of the pouch. The microwave oven 34 is operated to heat the liquid,
creating steam, which rises and heats the food in the food
compartment 30. Excess steam can be vented through the top end 22
of the pouch, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The flexible pouch 10 is
positioned on the support surface 38 and, because the pouch is a
stand-up type pouch, is positioned upright on the bottom gusset
20.
[0019] Preferably, the pouch is formed from a laminate having, for
example, an oriented polyethylene teraphalate (oriented PET) in the
range of 48 to 92 gauge. A sealant layer is laminated to the outer
web and is preferably cast polypropylene. The sealant layer is
positioned on the inside surface of the sidewalls/panels 12, 14. It
is preferred that the outer web be relatively stiff in order to
support the pouch during heating of the liquid. Also, cast
polypropylene is preferred for the inside sealant layer, since it
will more readily withstand the heat generated by the steam (and
boiling water) within the pouch. Because the polypropylene sealant
layer is positioned on the inside, the sidewalls 12,14 can be
sealed to each other. Alternatively, the sidewalls of the pouch may
be formed by a single web and a single seal be used. It is
preferred that the laminate be formed using an adhesive, rather
than being a mono web formed without an adhesive. The thickness of
the sealant layer preferably falls between two to four mils. Again,
added thickness of the material will help the pouch stand up during
heating.
[0020] The perforated wall is preferably a 2 to 3 mil cast
polypropylene film, which can be sealed to the sealant layer within
the pouch laminate. The perforated wall is preferably compatible
with the sealant layer within the laminate. The perforated wall may
be sealed to the inside surface of the sidewalls of the pouch or
may be separately sealed into the side seams. Alternative materials
for the perforated web include a netting or other porous materials.
It is contemplated that a cloth or woven fabric material may be
sealed within the flexible pouch interior to form a food
support.
[0021] Marketing of the present invention may include the separate
division of food and pouches. The pouch may be stored in a box or
the like in quantity, with each individual pouch removed for use
when desired. Thus, fresh food can be placed into the pouch, and
liquid supplied separately. Alternatively, the food may be shipped
within the pouch with the liquid or the liquid may be added at
cooking time. It may also be possible to provide the food in a
fresh or frozen state. Medium density polyethylene and/or high
density polyethylene may be used as part of the laminate if the
food is shipped within the pouch, with cast propylene being used
for the outside layer.
[0022] It is preferred that a barrier layer not be provided, since
the application of microwave energy may cause undesirable emissions
and/or prevent full application of the microwave energy to the
liquid retained in the bottom of the pouch. Standard dimensions for
a stand-up pouch to provide stability are contemplated. Preferably,
the pouch is formed so that it does not significantly buckle during
application of microwave energy or as a result of the heat
generated by the liquid.
[0023] A variety of other modifications to the structure is
particularly illustrated and described above will be apparent to
those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure provided
herein. The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended
claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *