Microwaveable Carton Having Multiple Focused Susceptors
AssigneeH.J. Heinz Company
InventorsGary Neff, Eric Sitterly, Stephen James DeNio, Akou Amefia, Randy Gunzburger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A carton including multiple focused susceptors can be configured to provide multiple heating configurations for microwave heating of a packaged food product. In at least one heating configuration, the microwave susceptors are arranged such that food product has a softer texture when heated. In a second heating configuration, the microwave susceptors such that the food product has a crispier texture when heated. In use a consumer can select any of the multiple carton configurations for heating the food product.
Claims22
A carton having multiple susceptors comprising:
- a blank comprising a bottom panel, a top panel, a back panel, side panels, and an inner front panel;
- and
- multiple susceptors,
- wherein the carton having multiple susceptors is configured to provide at least two different heating configurations and at least two different heating methods.
A method of heating a food product using a package having an openable top, microwave susceptor surfaces on two major panels of the package, and microwave susceptor surfaces on opposed side panels of the package comprising the steps of:
- opening the package to expose the food product;
- selecting one of two heating techniques;
- where the first technique is selected,
- closing the package to enclose the food product,
- applying microwave energy to the package to generate radiant heat from the susceptor surfaces directed toward the food product, so as to radiantly heat the food product,
- wherein the second technique is selected,
- removing the openable top from the package,
- inverting the package so that the bottom surface faces upwardly,
- placing the openable top on the inverted package with the susceptor facing upwardly,
- placing the food product on the openable top, and
- applying microwave energy to the package to heat the food product to a predetermined temperature substantially with microwave energy while causing a bottom surface of the food product to be heated by conduction from the susceptor;
- and
- removing the heated food product from the package for serving.
A method of making a carton having multiple susceptors comprising:
- forming a blank comprising a bottom panel, a top panel, a back panel, side panels, and a front panel;
- and
- applying multiple susceptors to the blank,
- wherein the carton having multiple susceptors is configured to provide at least two different heating configurations and at least two different heating methods.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.