Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A container for storing and cooking food, especially microwave cooking of popcorn, and for use as a container in which to serve the popcorn after it is popped. The container of the invention comprises a bag having front and back panels that define a cooking chamber between them, and a fold-over flap that projects from the back panel and defines an expansion chamber in communication with the cooking chamber. A microwave susceptor is provided in the front panel to absorb microwave energy during microwave cooking to heat and cook the popcorn in the cooking chamber, and as the popcorn expands during the popping cycle, the cooking and expansion chambers expand to form a single large interior volume for containing the popped popcorn. The front and back panels and the fold-over flap define a tripartite structure which is folded flat during shipment and storage, and which is placed flat on the front panel when it is desired to pop the popcorn. During and at the conclusion of the popping cycle, the fold-over flap projects upwardly from the back panel, and the chamber defined by it is oriented at the upper surface of the bag. A frangible strip is provided at an upper free edge of the fold-over flap, and this strip is openable at the end of the popping cycle to provide a wide opening at the top surface of the bag for access to the popped popcorn. The front panel defines a wide, stable support for supporting the bag with the open side disposed upwardly, whereby the bag is especially suitable as a container from which to serve the popped popcorn.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim