The present invention concerns a packaging assembly, a sleeve blank, a method of preparing a food product in a microwaveable packaging assembly and the use of a packag- ing assembly.

Background of the Invention

A microwave oven provides a very convenient and quick method of preparing and heating food products. Examples of food products suited for this method of preparation and heating may be pre-cooked frozen dishes or snacks for example roasted pea- nuts.

A disadvantage when heating food products in a container in a microwave oven is that it is often difficult to attain an even heat distribution throughout the food product. For example the part of the food product in the peripheral region of the container will heat up faster than the part of the food product in the centre of the container. Therefore setting the duration and power rating of the microwave oven is a trade off between reaching an acceptable temperature of the food product in the centre of the container and not exceeding an acceptable temperature of the food product in the peripheral region of the container.

The above effect causes a further disadvantage. In order to reach acceptable temperatures a trade off towards reaching an acceptable temperature in the food product in the centre of the container may be chosen. This causes the food product in the peripheral region to reach a temperature level, where the container may be too warm to touch without being burned.

Heating of coated peanuts are very challenging as the peanut inside the coating heat up quicker than the coating. Furthermore the granular nature of a plurality of coated peanuts makes it difficult to heat due to a risk of creating local hot spots which will render some of the coated peanuts in a batch inedible. US 2002/0096056 disclose a microwavable packaging assembly that includes a tray covered with a heat seal. The container is placed in a sleeve with side vents. During cooking the side vents channel steam out of the tray. The disadvantage of US 2002/0096056 is that heat may escape through the sleeve via the side vents. When the packaging assembly is removed from the microwave the tray is removed from the sleeve and the heat seal is removed from the tray. The heat may therefore not be evenly distributed inside the tray.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of the invention to indicate a microwavable packaging assembly that may improve the heat distribution before consumption of a food product for example coated peanuts prepared and heated in a microwave oven.

Description of the Invention

This is achieved according to the present invention by a microwavable packaging assembly comprising:

- a container having a food storage compartment comprising a base and a rim opposite the base with a sidewall extending between the base and the rim, the rim having an inner perimeter defining an opening to the compartment, and

- a cover assembly releasably engaged with the container, the cover assembly comprising a barrier configured for sealing the opening during storage and preparing of a food product disposed in the compartment, the cover assembly further comprising a shield configured for covering the barrier and for reducing heat outflow through the opening upon heating of the food product disposed in the compartment.

It is further achieved with a sleeve blank for a cover assembly for a container in a mi- crowaveable packaging assembly, the blank comprising a plurality of serially arranged blank portions including; a connecting tab, a first intermediate portion, a first shield portion configured for covering an opening of the container, a second intermediate portion and a second shield portion for covering a base of the container. It is even further achieved with a method of preparing a food product in a microwave- able packaging assembly, wherein the method comprises the steps of placing the packaging assembly in a microwave oven, setting the time and power of the microwave, heating the packaging assembly in the microwave, removing the packaging assembly from the microwave oven, removing the shield and the barrier, such that the prepared food product is ready for consumption. Furthermore it is achieved by use of a microwaveable packaging assembly for storing and heating in a microwave; coated peanuts.

It is herewith achieved that the heat distribution is improved in the food product before consumption. The shield reduces the heat outflow through the opening. Therefore the heat is better distributed from the peripheral region of the container to the centre.

With the sleeve blank according to the invention it is further achieved that the sleeve may be used instead of an oven glove provided by areas where a user may grip the packaging assembly without getting burned.

The microwavable packaging assembly may for example be used for storage, preparation and heating of coated peanuts.

The packaging assembly is composed of a container and a cover assembly.

The container has a base, which ensures that the container may rest securely on a surface without tilting and spilling the contents. A sidewall, which may be composed of one endless sidewall or a number of sidewalls connected to each other at the ends, extend from the base. The free end which is the upper end of the sidewall, when the con- tainer is resting on its base, is engaged with a rim. The base, the sidewall and the rim surrounds the food storage compartment.

The inner perimeter of the rim defines the opening to the food storage compartment. The rim provides an attachment surface for the cover assembly.

The sidewall may have a straight angle to the base. The sidewall may also have an angle of inclination to the base, such that the area of the opening is either larger or smaller than the area of the base. Furthermore the sidewall may also be curved in the direction from the base towards the rim.

The material for the container may be a thermo plastic polymer, a glass or thermo-set polymer, for example the material may be selected from polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylic esters, polystyrenes, polyaromatic esters for example crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). The container may comprise one or a combination of the before mentioned suggested materials. The selected material shall be suited for use in a microwave oven, i.e. be microwave transparent and be able to withstand elevated temperatures.

CPET may be used in a temperature range of -40 deg. C. to +220 deg. C. CPET is suited for use in a microwave oven and is an excellent barrier material for oxygen, water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

The cover assembly comprises a barrier and a shield.

The barrier is required to seal the opening, such that oxygen and humidity may not degrade the quality of the food product.

The shield ensures that the heat loss through the opening is reduced. Therefore the heat is better maintained and distributed in the food product inside the food storage compartment of the container. The shield has a shape which is complimentary to the inner periphery of the rim. The shield may have a shape such that it furthermore covers the rim.

The material for the barrier may for example be polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other suitable materials may be a thermo plastic polymer, a glass or thermo-set polymer, for example the material may be selected from polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylic esters, polystyrenes, polyaromatic esters PET may be used in a temperature range of -40 deg. C to +220 deg. C. PET is suited for use in a microwave oven and is an excellent barrier material for oxygen, water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The cover assembly is not removed until after the packaging assembly and food product inside has been heated in a microwave oven. Preferably the shield is kept on for a short time after preparation has been completed, for example 1-5 minutes. The barrier may be removed together with the shield. The temperature range in which the packaging assembly may be heated is foreseen to be below +220 deg. C, preferably below 180 deg. C, more preferably below 120 deg. C and above 70 deg. C. The packaging assembly is preferably stored at temperatures above -40 deg. C, preferably above -18 deg. C and below 20 deg. C. Packaging assemblies comprising materials able to withstand the higher temperature may be used to heat the food product in a conventional oven as long as the required temperature for the food product may be achieved without exceeding the maximum allowable temperature for the material. According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the shield comprises a first shield portion for covering the opening and a second shield portion for covering the base.

It is herewith achieved that the sleeve may be used instead of an oven glove by provid- ing areas where a user may grip the packaging assembly without getting burned.

A user may grab the packaging assembly from the microwave oven by placing a thumb on the first shield portion or the second shield portion and the opposing fingers on the opposite shield portion without directly touching the container. This type of grip is referred to as a primate grip.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the shield further comprises intermediate portions extending between the first portion and the second portion on opposite sides of the container forming a sleeve about the container.

It is herewith achieved that a sleeve is formed which may be attached more securely to the container because it surrounds the container.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the barrier is releasably engaged with the rim. The barrier may be attached by welding to the rim.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the shield is attached to the barrier. It is herewith achieved that the cover assembly may be attached to the container in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the material for the container, the barrier and/or the shield is microwave transparent.

It is herewith achieved that the packaging assembly may be used in a microwave oven.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the base and the rim have a circular shape.

It is herewith achieved that the heating of the food product is optimized for a microwave oven. The circular shape provides for an even distribution of heat inside the container. The circular shape limits the risk of hot and cold spots in the food product after microwave heating.

According to a further embodiment, the sleeve blank according to the invention is peculiar in that the blank comprises a hanger portion located between an intermediate portion and a shield portion, the hanger portion comprising at least one aperture configured for receiving a store display hanger.

It is herewith achieved that the packaging assembly may be stored and displayed in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment, the microwavable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that a further aperture is formed in the intermediate portions next to the first shield portion, the further aperture being configured for receiving part of a rim of the container, for securing the sleeve to the container.

It is herewith achieved that the sleeve is secured to the container and inadvertent release of the sleeve may be avoided. In an alternative embodiment the shield portion of the sleeve comprises pre-prepared fold lines.

If the shield is reattached to the container after the barrier has been removed the shield may be folded along the fold lines to provide a door to the food storage compartment which may be selectively opened or closed. When using the container for serving the food product the container may then be carried without risking spilling the food product. Furthermore the food product may remain warm for a longer time.

According to a further embodiment, the method of preparing a food product in a mi- crowaveable packaging assembly according to the invention is peculiar in that the packaging assembly is left for a period of time after being removed from the microwave and before removing the shield and barrier.

It is herewith achieved that the heat may be very evenly distributed inside the food product in the container before the container is opened, thus avoiding the food product being hot at the perimeter and cold at the centre. This enhances the experience by the consumer. The packaging assembly is especially suited for use with coated peanuts. Coated peanuts when heated will become very delicate, because the aromas are freed as the temperature rises.

The packaging assembly may also be used for heating in a conventional oven; coated peanuts.

Description of the Drawing

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows a principal view of the packaging assembly according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a principal view of the packaging assembly of Fig. 1 prior to fitment of the container with the barrier into the shield,

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the packaging assembly of Fig. 1 viewed towards the base of the container,

Fig. 4 shows a principal view of the packaging assembly of Fig. 1 with the door to the container opened, and

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a blank according to the invention.

In the explanation of the Figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designation in different Figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single Figure/embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Fig. 1-4 shows different views of the microwavable packaging assembly 1 according to the invention.

The packaging assembly 1 comprises a container 2 and a cover assembly 3, the cover assembly 3 comprises a barrier 4 and a shield 5.

The container 2 is having a food storage compartment 6 comprising a base 7 and a rim 8 opposite the base 7. A sidewall 9 extends between the base 7 and the rim 8. The rim 8 has an inner perimeter 10 defining an opening 11 to the food storage compartment. The embodiment of the container 2 shown in Fig. 1-4 is having a curved sidewall 9, providing the container 2 with a bowl like shape. The container 2 in the embodiment shown is thermo formed in a CPET material. Alternatively the container 2 may be manufactured by injection moulding or blow moulding. The container 2 is non- transparent; alternatively it may be in a transparent material, so a food product 12 inside the container 2 may be visible.

Furthermore the embodiment of the container 2 shown in Fig. 1-4 has a base 7 and a rim 8 with a circular shape. This is optimal for providing an even distribution of heat in the food storage compartment 6 when using a microwave oven.

The rim 8 provides an attachment surface 13 for the cover assembly 3. Furthermore it provides structural strength to the sidewall 9, such that it will not deform when a user handles the container 2.

The cover assembly 3 is releasably attached to the container 2. During storage, preparation and heating of the food product 12 in a microwave oven the cover assembly 3 is configured for being attached to the container 2. The barrier 4 is a foil provided in a PET material, which has good barrier capabilities against oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water. The barrier 4 is attached to the attachment surface 13 of the rim 8. Suitable attachment methods may be by welding or an adhesive. The barrier 4 is peeled off the container 2 prior to consumption of the food product 13 in the food storage compartment 6.

The shield 5 is a carton or paperboard blank 14 (see Fig. 5) which is folded into a sleeve 15. The container 2 fits into the sleeve 15, such that the opening 11 is covered by a first shield portion 16 (see Fig. 4) and the base 7 is covered by a second shield portion 17 (see Fig. 3). The first shield portion 16 reduces the heat escaping through the opening 11 during heating in a microwave oven, such that the heat may be evenly distributed in the food product 12 inside the food storage compartment 6. A user may grab the now hot packaging assembly 1 in a primate grip using the first- and second shield portions 16, 17 and avoid getting burned because of the shielding effect of the first- and second shield portions 16, 17. The first- and second shield portions 16, 17 are connected by intermediate shield portions 18 on either side of the container 2, such that the sleeve forms a closed ring. Alternatively the shield may be composed of an other suitable material, for example a plastic material.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-4 the barrier 4 and the shield 5 is composed of two separable entities. Alternatively the barrier 4 and the shield 5 may be integrated in one part.

Other materials than the above mentioned may be used. The skilled person will be able to select materials for the individual parts according to specific applications of the packaging assembly. Parameters for the selection may be a requirement for the mate- rial(s) to be microwave transparent, the insulation properties, the visual representation etc. All choices subject to a trade off in view of the advantages/disadvantages of selected materials.

A typical use example is described below:

The packaging assembly may be used for storing and heating coated peanuts in a microwave. A packaging assembly containing 100 g of coated peanuts is placed in a microwave oven. The time and power is set according to instructions provided or based on personal experiences with said microwave oven and packaging assembly, for exam- pie the time may be 35-45 seconds and the power 800 Watts. When the time is elapsed, the packaging assembly 1 is removed from the microwave. The packaging assembly 1 is left for an additional 35-45 seconds before the shield 4 and barrier 5 is removed to provide an even better heat distribution (this step may be optional). The shield 4 may be replaced to extend the time where the coated peanuts are hot.

A typical packaging example is described below: The food product 12, for example coated peanuts, is filled into the container 2, for example 100 g in a protected atmosphere. The atmosphere may for example be nitrogen. Hereafter the barrier 4 is placed over the opening 11 and heat sealed to the rim 8. The container 2 including the food product 12 is fitted into the sleeve 15.

Fig. 2 illustrates the full container 2 ready to be fitted into the sleeve 15.

In Fig. 4 the first shield portion 16 is bent along a door fold line 19. This provides a closable access to the food storage compartment 6. The food product 12 may therefore stay hot for a longer time.

Fig. 5 shows a sleeve blank 14 from which the sleeve 15 is formed. The blank 14 comprises a plurality of serially arranged blank portions including; a connecting tab 20, the first intermediate portion 18', the first shield portion 16 configured for covering the opening 11 of the container 2, the second intermediate portion 18" and the second shield portion 17 for covering the base 7 of the container 2.

The connecting tab 20 is attached to the second shield portion 17 when the sleeve 15 is formed. For example attachment may be by glue or and other adhesive.

The shape of the first shield portion 16 is complimentary to the shape of the opening 11 of the container 2 and the shape of the second shield portion 17 is complimentary to the base 7. The blank 14 comprises a hanger portion 21 located between an intermediate portion 18 and a shield portion 17. The hanger portion 21 comprises at least one aperture 22 configured for receiving a store display hanger (not shown).

A further aperture 23 is formed in the intermediate portions 18', 18" next to the first shield portion 16, the further aperture 23 being configured for receiving part of the rim 8 of the container 2, for securing the sleeve 15 to the container 2. Two door fold lines 19 are formed in the first shield portion 16 to form a door to the food storage compartment 6 of the folded sleeve 15.

The blank 14 may be printed with instructions and other graphics, for example to show the contents of the food storage compartment 6 in an appealing manner. The blank 14 may also have a printed logo.

Fold lines 24 may be arranged on the blank 14 to ease folding of the sleeve 15. If the materials of the packaging assembly 1 so permits, the packaging assembly 1 and the associated food product 12 may be prepared and heated in a conventional oven.