One-way valve for a food package

Abstract

A one-way valve for a food package having a venting opening is provided. The one-way valve (100) is arranged to open in response to a release of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110), and comprises a membrane (102) comprising a sealing portion (104) and a barrier portion (106). The sealing portion (104) is arranged to be attached to the food package (110) to cover the venting opening (118) and to form a sealing interface (120) between the membrane (102) and the food package (110) such that the food package (110) is sealed. The barrier portion (106) is arranged at a periphery (122) of the membrane (102). A valve outlet (124) is arranged at a distal end (122) of the sealing portion (104) thereby spatially separated from the venting opening (118) when the membrane (102) is attached to the food package (110). The valve outlet (124) is arranged between the sealing portion (104) and the barrier portion (106). The sealing interface (120) is arranged such that a channel (142) is formed between the food package (110) and the membrane (102) when the release of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110) exceeds a threshold value. The channel (142) extends from the venting opening (118) to the valve outlet (124) such that a flow (146) of excess steam (144) from within the food package (110) is channeled to the valve outlet (124).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.