EASY-OPEN SELF-VENTING MICROWAVABLE TRAY AND OVERWRAP

摘要

The present invention relates to improved manually openable self-venting ovenable packages which include a rigid or semi-rigid tray having a single thermoplastic overwrap comprising a polymeric laminate surrounding the tray and having a front panel and an opposing back panel. The inventive packages also include a continuous seal circumscribing a recessed cavity of the tray which comprises a heat seal formed by heat sealing a portion of the front panel to the peripheral flange of the tray. The packages of the present invention are self-venting whereby a venting region comprising a release coating applied between the inner surface of the front panel and the inner surface of the back panel permits the overwrap to rupture and release steam in response to heat and/or overpressure generated during heating of a food item in a microwave oven. The inventive packages also includes a manual tear opening feature provided by at least one line of weakness in the front panel positioned between the peelable seal and the first side edge of the front panel. The tear opening feature is configured to permit partial or complete removal of the overwrap from the tray.

主权项

1. An easy-open self-venting ovenable package comprising:
a rigid or semi-rigid tray having a base and at least one sidewall extending from said base thereby forming a recessed cavity; wherein said at least one sidewall comprises a peripheral flange extending generally perpendicularly from said at least one sidewall and circumscribing said recessed cavity; a single thermoplastic overwrap surrounding said tray and comprising a polymeric laminate; wherein said overwrap comprises a first side edge, an opposing second side edge, a front panel and an opposing back panel comprising a longitudinal seal, a first leading end seal positioned substantially transverse to said longitudinal seal, an opposing second trailing end seal positioned substantially transverse to said longitudinal seal; wherein said front panel and said opposing back panel each have an inner surface and an outer surface; a continuous peelable seal circumscribing said recessed cavity and comprising an inner perimeter defined by a heat seal formed by heat sealing a portion of said front panel to said peripheral flange; a venting region comprising a release coating interposed between said inner surface of said front panel and said inner surface of said back panel; and a manual tear opening feature comprising at least one line of weakness in said front panel positioned between said peelable seal and said first side edge of said front panel.