COLLAPSIBLE, MICROWAVABLE CONTAINER

摘要

The present invention provides a collapsible, microwavable container for storing and heating foods. The container is substantially clear in appearance and includes an upper open end (12), a lower end (14) closed by a bottom wall (16), and a peripheral side wall (18) extending between the upper and lower ends which is movable between extended and collapsed positions upon the exertion of a force. The peripheral side wall (18) of the container includes upper (22), lower (26) and intermediate (24) portions. In a preferred embodiment, the container walls are comprised of outer and inner layers of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene having a flex modulus of about 150,000 psi (1034 MPa) and an intermediate layer having a lower flex modulus than the outer and inner l ayers. In an alternative embodiment, the container may comprise a single layer where the upper and lower portions of the peripheral side wall are formed from a thermoplastic polymer having a first flex modulus and the intermediate portion is formed from a polymer having a lower flex modulus.